Isn't Naled the pesticide that was used in Brazil that caused birth defects (swollen brains) and blamed on Zika? Pretty sure it was.
Rather than vaccinating people and dogs why not create 'honey pot' type device that simulates a mammal smell and blood source? CO2 generator to lure them in. Perhaps body heat simulator and either a blood similar substance or actual blood. Put the fluralander substance in the blood. No mass spraying of toxins or ingesting them in humans or pets. Just a device that appears to the mosquito as the perfect meal that will kill them quickly. Environment protected for all except the mosquitoes.
I remember that argument at the time. The counter argument for Zika as the cause was that a neighboring country had many more Zika infections without the spraying of either chemical and zero birth defects. That pretty much disproves Zika as the cause.
Wouldnt it be interesting if the villains of the previous outbreak (bats) become the heroes of a dengue outbreak? Our local bats (California) eat pounds of mosquitoes. Bill Gates, forget the sterilized mosquitoes and release the voracious bats!
All I know is that it is no joke. I got it in Belize in 1995 when I was in my 40's and fit. I spent 2 weeks at home, in and out of bed with light hemorrhagic chest rashes, the worst headaches imaginable, sweats and chills and aches all over with supreme malaise. After this period I would then wake up feeling fresh and perfect like the sickness had broken so I would venture out. Then all of a sudden I would feel it coming back and bee line home for my bed! This lasted another two weeks. A month in total. Most of the locals who got it did not get bed bound but felt sick and called it the flu. This is definitely not a disease suited for caucasians!
I am aware of the complexity of the diseases that come from viruses that mosquitoes carry. And I know there is no easy answer. However, my dog became debilitated with seizures after taking Bravecto. In fact, I think this happens more often than we think, Just like how doctors would attribute autism, etc. to other issues besides vaccines, I think many vets attribute seizures to other issues other than medication’s like Bravecto, etc. but I am 100% positive that this is why my dog started having seizures.
I definitely would not be in favor of that solution.
Glad you brought up the subject of organophosphates! I used to use Chlordane and Malathion. When I took my glass bottle in for legal disposal of probably 8oz of Chlordane the original label was long gone. Really nasty stuff! Having inadvertently poisoned myself once ( why read the label? It must be safe, right?). I put it away to never be used again.
It is really a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation. If we spray locally, we may poison the environment and ourselves; if we don't spray, it may become endemic in the USA. And then, it may be here to stay.
I live in Citrus County. I hadn't known that there were two cases of Dengue here. About two weeks ago, we heard the familiar sound of the machine that sprays the insecticide. I hadn't heard it in thirty years, when we lived in Massachusetts, but as soon as the sound registered, I knew what it was. We'd had comfortable weather, so had back and front doors open (with screens) for a cross breeze. I slammed those shut fast.
Since Hurricane Isaias passed off the coast, leaving us with three days of rain, we've had a huge increase in mosquitos.
I am a target #1 for mosquitoes. I tell my friends that if I am outside with them I am their mosquito repellent.
I have tried a multitude of deterrents of various types and the only thing I can get to work is DEET which I hate to use do to its toxicity but… it’s either that or I am a summer shut in.
I had my whole body covered up several weeks ago except my face. Had 3 bites. 1 on my “EYELID”!!!, cheek and neck. I wasn’t like this as a child. Don’t know if menopause brought it on or what.
Also I don’t remember the itch being so intense. I don’t even touch them and I whelp up and itch for quite a while (seems longer because it is so incredibly annoying)
My sister & bro-in-law have a 15 acre horse farm in Pinellas. My parents lived in FL until their deaths but I must admit I have never been bit in FL. Only GA and SC.
I keep praying that I become less attractive to them. I don’t want to upset normal ecological systems. I just don’t want to be their primary meal.
I've read that blood type O people are more attractive to mosquitos. It doesn't mean they won't bite others, but type O is their first choice. I too attract mosquitos. My husband and I might take a hike in an infested area, and I'll end up with a dozen bites, and he gets none or one. Fortunately, the itch lasts less than 24 hours. I spray on some of the natural mosquito repellants, but they don't work as well as DEET. Also, the natural product doesn't work at all for horse flies, but DEET does.
Yes I know. I am O+ so I know that I attract them but I have a friend who’s also O and she doesn’t have the same trouble that I face.
I wear light clothing, keep a decent weigh (5’1” and 120-125#) am not actively exercising when I get bit so I shouldn’t be excreting excessive CO2, no perfumed soaps, creams etc…
I try to do my part but…I haven’t found the key to deterrence yet. Still I search. If anyone has any recommendations I’m always looking. I’ve tried stacking remedies.
I'm type O, and mosquitoes are definitely attracted to me. Even if I'm outside for a minute, I find mosquito bites when I go back inside. The visible bite and the itch last for at least a week.
I know. Even little chores like taking out the garbage require a full douse of DEET. It’s maddening. On the positive side, mine don’t itch for a week. Thank God.
What are the symptoms of high histamine levels from mosquito bites?
Symptoms of high histamine levels from mosquito bites can include intense itching, swelling, and the formation of large, raised welts on the skin. In some cases, individuals may experience more severe allergic reactions, such as redness and inflammation that can last for several days.
Avoid High-Histamine Foods: Following a low-histamine diet can help reduce overall histamine levels in the body.
Natural Remedies: Applying coconut oil or citronella oil can deter mosquitoes and may help soothe bites.
I think I was told I have low histamine levels (I'm rarely bitten), but my methylation levels are bad. I have high homocystine levels.
You would need to have the specific symptoms of the individual case of Dengue fever evaluated by a professional homeopathic practitioner in order to ascertain the correct remedy to prescribe. An excellent resource is Global Natural Health Solutions, www.gnhshealing.com
There also are herbs that can treat dengue such as andrographis, isatis, boneset, and dogwood bark. A combination of any of these, especially including andrographis, will work better than individual herbs.
I will NEVER have an injection or prescription to prevent anything again. Full stop. I live in SC, and suffered every summer with welts from bites. Dozens of them.
Then, on the advice of a farmer here, I started taking a B-complex. (I know. I know. The "litter-at-chore" doesn't support this.) But this summer, I can count on one hand the number of insect bites I've had. And none of them has hung around for weeks.
I saw that AI is definitely against thiamine and other vitamins for preventing mosquito bites, but I don't trust AI on issues like that.
All of the studies I found agree that thiamine doesn't work, but the methods used varied, and they're so vehemently against it, I feel that they protest too much.
Decades ago, I went to Africa, and in addition to other malaria prophylaxis, there was a recommendation for thiamine 100mg three times a day, starting a week before the trip. I could smell the thiamine on my skin, and I didn't get any mosquito bites, which is very unusual for me. I know that this is not proof of anything, but I was happy.
I use B vitamins, though not enough to smell thiamine on my skin, and vitamin C daily now.
“What I quickly discovered was exhilarating, things like ten years of in-vitro studies of ivermectin in a dozen RNA virus models where it stopped replication (Zika, Dengue, West Nile, HIV, influenza and others), in-vivo (animal) studies where ivermectin led to increased survival and decreased organ damage, large case series from a number of countries with incredible outcomes like the one by Jose Morgenstern et al in the Dominican Republic where they treated over 3300 consecutive emergency room patients.. and recorded only 16 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. Not to mention the insane safety profile of ivermectin, almost unparalleled in our armamentarium of medicines. I started to feel like it’s Nobel-Prize winning impacts on world health related to eradicating endemic and disfiguring parasitic diseases might even be surpassed by it’s newly discovered properties as one of the world’s broadest anti-viral medicines. No wonder the Nobel Prize winning discoverer of ivermectin, Professor Satoshi Omura, calls it “the wonder drug”).”
Thank you for this extensive review of relevant issues to be considered in the event of disease outbreaks, particularly as relating to mosquito born risks.
If I'm understanding this appropriately, it offers addtional valuable insights/avenues for local public health and impacted residents to productively pursue.
Thank you so much for your continuing contributions to our understandings and for pursuit of responsible actions.
Back in 2000 I worked in an Army research lab that was trying to develop a tetravalent Dengue vaccine under the theory that if you had antibodies against all 4 serotypes, then your immune system could respond effectively to any one serotype with lower risk of ADE. The problem is that it's only a theory and would be hard to evaluate until you had a real-world scenario. The Army was interested in developing vaccines that could protect US troops that would deploy to areas of the world where there are diseases in the environment that we don't normally see in the US. But anyway, it looks like 26 years later, we still don't have an approved vaccine.
We didn't "experiment on" Soldiers. We conducted clinical trials using participants that were military-aged adults. They didn't have to be Service Members to participate, though some of the particpants were Service Members. I personally served as a participant in some clinical trials (but not for any of the dengue vaccine trials). No medical progress would ever be made if not for clinical trials in humans. You can't just give untested medical products to the population at large, without knowing the risks and benefits of those products. They only way to know the risks and benefits are to conduct clinical trials. You can do a lot of testing in cell and tissue culture and in animals, but ultimately, human clinical trials provide the best scientific evidence as to whether an intervention will work and if the benefits outweight the risks. As for "boosting the immune system" - that is not a universal solution. When humans are exposed to deadly diseases for which they have no prior immunity, a lot of times it doesn't matter how much Vitamin C or D you have in your system. Additionally, the battlefield conditions can sometimes be severe and not always conducive to strong immunity. In all previous wars, even the most modern ones, Disease and Non-Battle Injuries (DNBIs) have cause the majority of casualties - far more casualties than enemy bullets. Military medical research is conducted to reduce both DNBI and battlefield deaths.
I had not really heard of Ivermectin back in 2000. It's not something I became aware of until the recent COVID pandemic. Are there studies that evaluate the efficacy of Ivermectin against dengue virus, specifically?
In the world of substacks (social media), very unfortunately, you seem to be a rarity. In the context of "informing" you also TEACH, and you do so extremely effectively, from a highly knowledgeable, solid and thorough background. This is humour . . . you also seem to have "infected" your wife . . . . or is it just a shared mutual self-reinforcing infection? <g> Terry Semple.
I would think that treatments for dengue, such as, Dr. Frederick Klenner used, which were high amounts of Vitamin C as a blood purifier to combat illnesses, such as polio and venomous snake bites would be of benefit. Golden Seal Root is another blood purifier, which would not be harmful to the beneficial bacteria in the human system..
Jill as usual did a great job dissecting what is transpiring with the return of Dengue fever. My first thought was why has it returned? Texas and Florida have cases and we have had a good four years of uncontrolled illegal immigration bring thousands and thousands into the USA with disease states that were not recognized. CDC is aware of this, but little or no public discussion on the matter.
The approach to controlling the issue is to use chemical intervention and or biological intervention with mosquitos being genetically modified. As usual prevention is secondary. Years ago, my wife and I were on Marcos island which is surrounded by the everglades and we were invaded by the tiny "no see'ms" which fly through the screens without a problem. My wife attracted the mosquito's and they ignored me. Her immune system was weak and I was not aware of this at that time.
So I asked Alter AI the question: Why the difference: ANSWER:
Carbon dioxide output. Mosquitoes track CO₂ plumes from meters away. Heavier people and pregnant women exhale more, so they get detected more. This is one of the best-established predictors.
Body heat and sweat. Once they zero in, warmth and moisture matter. People who run hotter—or sweat more—are easier targets. Lactic acid in sweat is a known attractant; uric acid and ammonia play roles too.
Skin microbiome — the big one. This is where the real science lives. Your skin hosts a bacterial community, and those bacteria metabolize compounds in your sweat into volatile odors. Studies (notably the landmark work from the lab of Niels Verhulst and others) have shown that people with a more diverse skin microbiome tend to be bitten less, while certain bacterial species—especially Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium—are strongly associated with being a mosquito magnet. Basically, some bacterial cocktails smell delicious to a mosquito; others don't.
Blood type. There's a well-known 2004 study (Shirai et al.) that found mosquitoes preferred Type O blood over Type A, with Type B in between. The mechanism is tied to secretor status—whether you secrete blood-group antigens into your sweat and saliva. It's a real, replicated-ish finding, though the effect is modest compared to odor.
Genetics. Body odor itself is substantially heritable. Twin studies suggest a large genetic component to what you smell like, which is why mosquito preference tends to run in families. Some of this is mediated by how your genes shape your skin chemistry and microbiome composition.
Alcohol and beer. Multiple small studies found that drinking beer increases attractiveness to mosquitoes—likely via increased skin temperature, vasodilation, and changes in sweat composition. The effect appears within about 30 minutes.
Pregnancy. Pregnant women are bitten roughly twice as often, driven by higher CO₂ output, higher body temperature, and altered skin odor profiles.
In my view, those with a compromised immune system are more likely to be targeted and suffer from the dengue fever. So the key is to have a strong and vibrant immune system as the best defense to control and neutralize the infection. In my view having a blood value of over 50 ng's of Vitamin D is a positive marker. It so happens years later we discovered my wife's value was 9 ng's and mine was 50 ng's. I am not a sweeter, but I do have type O blood.
One last thought: If you are a tourist visiting China and are recognized to have ill health, you are not permitted in and are put on the next plane back to your home town.
Isn't Naled the pesticide that was used in Brazil that caused birth defects (swollen brains) and blamed on Zika? Pretty sure it was.
Rather than vaccinating people and dogs why not create 'honey pot' type device that simulates a mammal smell and blood source? CO2 generator to lure them in. Perhaps body heat simulator and either a blood similar substance or actual blood. Put the fluralander substance in the blood. No mass spraying of toxins or ingesting them in humans or pets. Just a device that appears to the mosquito as the perfect meal that will kill them quickly. Environment protected for all except the mosquitoes.
Short answer about Naled being used in Brazil is Yes. Grok's longer answer -- with all the usual caveats -- is here: https://chatgpt.com/share/6adf6a7c-61e4-83e8-ae6e-3e965e0e54c8
I remember that argument at the time. The counter argument for Zika as the cause was that a neighboring country had many more Zika infections without the spraying of either chemical and zero birth defects. That pretty much disproves Zika as the cause.
Wouldnt it be interesting if the villains of the previous outbreak (bats) become the heroes of a dengue outbreak? Our local bats (California) eat pounds of mosquitoes. Bill Gates, forget the sterilized mosquitoes and release the voracious bats!
Natural biological controls are the best!!! We should have mentioned that in the article.
All I know is that it is no joke. I got it in Belize in 1995 when I was in my 40's and fit. I spent 2 weeks at home, in and out of bed with light hemorrhagic chest rashes, the worst headaches imaginable, sweats and chills and aches all over with supreme malaise. After this period I would then wake up feeling fresh and perfect like the sickness had broken so I would venture out. Then all of a sudden I would feel it coming back and bee line home for my bed! This lasted another two weeks. A month in total. Most of the locals who got it did not get bed bound but felt sick and called it the flu. This is definitely not a disease suited for caucasians!
I believe dengue is also present to some degree in Texas...58 cases,here last yr.
I am aware of the complexity of the diseases that come from viruses that mosquitoes carry. And I know there is no easy answer. However, my dog became debilitated with seizures after taking Bravecto. In fact, I think this happens more often than we think, Just like how doctors would attribute autism, etc. to other issues besides vaccines, I think many vets attribute seizures to other issues other than medication’s like Bravecto, etc. but I am 100% positive that this is why my dog started having seizures.
I definitely would not be in favor of that solution.
Glad you brought up the subject of organophosphates! I used to use Chlordane and Malathion. When I took my glass bottle in for legal disposal of probably 8oz of Chlordane the original label was long gone. Really nasty stuff! Having inadvertently poisoned myself once ( why read the label? It must be safe, right?). I put it away to never be used again.
It is really a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation. If we spray locally, we may poison the environment and ourselves; if we don't spray, it may become endemic in the USA. And then, it may be here to stay.
I live in Citrus County. I hadn't known that there were two cases of Dengue here. About two weeks ago, we heard the familiar sound of the machine that sprays the insecticide. I hadn't heard it in thirty years, when we lived in Massachusetts, but as soon as the sound registered, I knew what it was. We'd had comfortable weather, so had back and front doors open (with screens) for a cross breeze. I slammed those shut fast.
Since Hurricane Isaias passed off the coast, leaving us with three days of rain, we've had a huge increase in mosquitos.
I am a target #1 for mosquitoes. I tell my friends that if I am outside with them I am their mosquito repellent.
I have tried a multitude of deterrents of various types and the only thing I can get to work is DEET which I hate to use do to its toxicity but… it’s either that or I am a summer shut in.
I had my whole body covered up several weeks ago except my face. Had 3 bites. 1 on my “EYELID”!!!, cheek and neck. I wasn’t like this as a child. Don’t know if menopause brought it on or what.
Also I don’t remember the itch being so intense. I don’t even touch them and I whelp up and itch for quite a while (seems longer because it is so incredibly annoying)
My sister & bro-in-law have a 15 acre horse farm in Pinellas. My parents lived in FL until their deaths but I must admit I have never been bit in FL. Only GA and SC.
I keep praying that I become less attractive to them. I don’t want to upset normal ecological systems. I just don’t want to be their primary meal.
I've read that blood type O people are more attractive to mosquitos. It doesn't mean they won't bite others, but type O is their first choice. I too attract mosquitos. My husband and I might take a hike in an infested area, and I'll end up with a dozen bites, and he gets none or one. Fortunately, the itch lasts less than 24 hours. I spray on some of the natural mosquito repellants, but they don't work as well as DEET. Also, the natural product doesn't work at all for horse flies, but DEET does.
Yes I know. I am O+ so I know that I attract them but I have a friend who’s also O and she doesn’t have the same trouble that I face.
I wear light clothing, keep a decent weigh (5’1” and 120-125#) am not actively exercising when I get bit so I shouldn’t be excreting excessive CO2, no perfumed soaps, creams etc…
I try to do my part but…I haven’t found the key to deterrence yet. Still I search. If anyone has any recommendations I’m always looking. I’ve tried stacking remedies.
I am A1 and like Toni in a crowded room I am the one a single mosquito will find first.
I'm type O, and mosquitoes are definitely attracted to me. Even if I'm outside for a minute, I find mosquito bites when I go back inside. The visible bite and the itch last for at least a week.
I know. Even little chores like taking out the garbage require a full douse of DEET. It’s maddening. On the positive side, mine don’t itch for a week. Thank God.
What are the symptoms of high histamine levels from mosquito bites?
Symptoms of high histamine levels from mosquito bites can include intense itching, swelling, and the formation of large, raised welts on the skin. In some cases, individuals may experience more severe allergic reactions, such as redness and inflammation that can last for several days.
Avoid High-Histamine Foods: Following a low-histamine diet can help reduce overall histamine levels in the body.
Natural Remedies: Applying coconut oil or citronella oil can deter mosquitoes and may help soothe bites.
I think I was told I have low histamine levels (I'm rarely bitten), but my methylation levels are bad. I have high homocystine levels.
Dengue fever responds beautifully to the accurately prescribed homeopathic remedy.
Where can we find the prescribed homeopathic remedy?
You would need to have the specific symptoms of the individual case of Dengue fever evaluated by a professional homeopathic practitioner in order to ascertain the correct remedy to prescribe. An excellent resource is Global Natural Health Solutions, www.gnhshealing.com
There also are herbs that can treat dengue such as andrographis, isatis, boneset, and dogwood bark. A combination of any of these, especially including andrographis, will work better than individual herbs.
I will NEVER have an injection or prescription to prevent anything again. Full stop. I live in SC, and suffered every summer with welts from bites. Dozens of them.
Then, on the advice of a farmer here, I started taking a B-complex. (I know. I know. The "litter-at-chore" doesn't support this.) But this summer, I can count on one hand the number of insect bites I've had. And none of them has hung around for weeks.
I asked AI about this and the answer came back negative. I do believe abundant B vitamin blood value is a positive. I take a B complex daily.
The fat-soluble form of B1, benfotiamine, might work better than a B complex.
I saw that AI is definitely against thiamine and other vitamins for preventing mosquito bites, but I don't trust AI on issues like that.
All of the studies I found agree that thiamine doesn't work, but the methods used varied, and they're so vehemently against it, I feel that they protest too much.
Decades ago, I went to Africa, and in addition to other malaria prophylaxis, there was a recommendation for thiamine 100mg three times a day, starting a week before the trip. I could smell the thiamine on my skin, and I didn't get any mosquito bites, which is very unusual for me. I know that this is not proof of anything, but I was happy.
I use B vitamins, though not enough to smell thiamine on my skin, and vitamin C daily now.
Yes, agree on B's. My doctor put me on just B12, 6 and Folate tho for my methylation issue. Said I did'nt require the others.
Didn’t a Japanese scientist receive a Nobel Prize for discovering Ivermectin which has treated large populations for Dengue Fever!
The Nobel was given for the treatment of disease-causing parasites such as malaria and worms, not as an anti-viral.
Thank you, Dr. Malone.
This is the article where I had seen the connection:
https://pierrekorymedicalmusings.com/p/the-global-disinformation-campaign-e1e
“What I quickly discovered was exhilarating, things like ten years of in-vitro studies of ivermectin in a dozen RNA virus models where it stopped replication (Zika, Dengue, West Nile, HIV, influenza and others), in-vivo (animal) studies where ivermectin led to increased survival and decreased organ damage, large case series from a number of countries with incredible outcomes like the one by Jose Morgenstern et al in the Dominican Republic where they treated over 3300 consecutive emergency room patients.. and recorded only 16 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. Not to mention the insane safety profile of ivermectin, almost unparalleled in our armamentarium of medicines. I started to feel like it’s Nobel-Prize winning impacts on world health related to eradicating endemic and disfiguring parasitic diseases might even be surpassed by it’s newly discovered properties as one of the world’s broadest anti-viral medicines. No wonder the Nobel Prize winning discoverer of ivermectin, Professor Satoshi Omura, calls it “the wonder drug”).”
Thank you for this extensive review of relevant issues to be considered in the event of disease outbreaks, particularly as relating to mosquito born risks.
If I'm understanding this appropriately, it offers addtional valuable insights/avenues for local public health and impacted residents to productively pursue.
Thank you so much for your continuing contributions to our understandings and for pursuit of responsible actions.
Back in 2000 I worked in an Army research lab that was trying to develop a tetravalent Dengue vaccine under the theory that if you had antibodies against all 4 serotypes, then your immune system could respond effectively to any one serotype with lower risk of ADE. The problem is that it's only a theory and would be hard to evaluate until you had a real-world scenario. The Army was interested in developing vaccines that could protect US troops that would deploy to areas of the world where there are diseases in the environment that we don't normally see in the US. But anyway, it looks like 26 years later, we still don't have an approved vaccine.
Yep! Just keep experimenting on our soldiers! Ignore the need for boosting the immune system as the best defense.
We didn't "experiment on" Soldiers. We conducted clinical trials using participants that were military-aged adults. They didn't have to be Service Members to participate, though some of the particpants were Service Members. I personally served as a participant in some clinical trials (but not for any of the dengue vaccine trials). No medical progress would ever be made if not for clinical trials in humans. You can't just give untested medical products to the population at large, without knowing the risks and benefits of those products. They only way to know the risks and benefits are to conduct clinical trials. You can do a lot of testing in cell and tissue culture and in animals, but ultimately, human clinical trials provide the best scientific evidence as to whether an intervention will work and if the benefits outweight the risks. As for "boosting the immune system" - that is not a universal solution. When humans are exposed to deadly diseases for which they have no prior immunity, a lot of times it doesn't matter how much Vitamin C or D you have in your system. Additionally, the battlefield conditions can sometimes be severe and not always conducive to strong immunity. In all previous wars, even the most modern ones, Disease and Non-Battle Injuries (DNBIs) have cause the majority of casualties - far more casualties than enemy bullets. Military medical research is conducted to reduce both DNBI and battlefield deaths.
Or giving them a single weekly dose of Ivermectin.
I had not really heard of Ivermectin back in 2000. It's not something I became aware of until the recent COVID pandemic. Are there studies that evaluate the efficacy of Ivermectin against dengue virus, specifically?
In the world of substacks (social media), very unfortunately, you seem to be a rarity. In the context of "informing" you also TEACH, and you do so extremely effectively, from a highly knowledgeable, solid and thorough background. This is humour . . . you also seem to have "infected" your wife . . . . or is it just a shared mutual self-reinforcing infection? <g> Terry Semple.
I would think that treatments for dengue, such as, Dr. Frederick Klenner used, which were high amounts of Vitamin C as a blood purifier to combat illnesses, such as polio and venomous snake bites would be of benefit. Golden Seal Root is another blood purifier, which would not be harmful to the beneficial bacteria in the human system..
Jill as usual did a great job dissecting what is transpiring with the return of Dengue fever. My first thought was why has it returned? Texas and Florida have cases and we have had a good four years of uncontrolled illegal immigration bring thousands and thousands into the USA with disease states that were not recognized. CDC is aware of this, but little or no public discussion on the matter.
The approach to controlling the issue is to use chemical intervention and or biological intervention with mosquitos being genetically modified. As usual prevention is secondary. Years ago, my wife and I were on Marcos island which is surrounded by the everglades and we were invaded by the tiny "no see'ms" which fly through the screens without a problem. My wife attracted the mosquito's and they ignored me. Her immune system was weak and I was not aware of this at that time.
So I asked Alter AI the question: Why the difference: ANSWER:
Carbon dioxide output. Mosquitoes track CO₂ plumes from meters away. Heavier people and pregnant women exhale more, so they get detected more. This is one of the best-established predictors.
Body heat and sweat. Once they zero in, warmth and moisture matter. People who run hotter—or sweat more—are easier targets. Lactic acid in sweat is a known attractant; uric acid and ammonia play roles too.
Skin microbiome — the big one. This is where the real science lives. Your skin hosts a bacterial community, and those bacteria metabolize compounds in your sweat into volatile odors. Studies (notably the landmark work from the lab of Niels Verhulst and others) have shown that people with a more diverse skin microbiome tend to be bitten less, while certain bacterial species—especially Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium—are strongly associated with being a mosquito magnet. Basically, some bacterial cocktails smell delicious to a mosquito; others don't.
Blood type. There's a well-known 2004 study (Shirai et al.) that found mosquitoes preferred Type O blood over Type A, with Type B in between. The mechanism is tied to secretor status—whether you secrete blood-group antigens into your sweat and saliva. It's a real, replicated-ish finding, though the effect is modest compared to odor.
Genetics. Body odor itself is substantially heritable. Twin studies suggest a large genetic component to what you smell like, which is why mosquito preference tends to run in families. Some of this is mediated by how your genes shape your skin chemistry and microbiome composition.
Alcohol and beer. Multiple small studies found that drinking beer increases attractiveness to mosquitoes—likely via increased skin temperature, vasodilation, and changes in sweat composition. The effect appears within about 30 minutes.
Pregnancy. Pregnant women are bitten roughly twice as often, driven by higher CO₂ output, higher body temperature, and altered skin odor profiles.
In my view, those with a compromised immune system are more likely to be targeted and suffer from the dengue fever. So the key is to have a strong and vibrant immune system as the best defense to control and neutralize the infection. In my view having a blood value of over 50 ng's of Vitamin D is a positive marker. It so happens years later we discovered my wife's value was 9 ng's and mine was 50 ng's. I am not a sweeter, but I do have type O blood.
One last thought: If you are a tourist visiting China and are recognized to have ill health, you are not permitted in and are put on the next plane back to your home town.
Very good point about the influx of illegals.