Which mosquito bite causes dengue?

Appeared in: Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Explanation

The Aedes mosquito, particularly the species Aedes aegypti, is the primary vector responsible for transmitting the dengue virus to humans.
These mosquitoes are easily identifiable by their characteristic black and white striped markings, earning them the nickname 'tiger mosquitoes'.
A key behavioral trait is that they are active and bite primarily during the daytime, which is a crucial point for patient education on protective measures.
They breed in artificial collections of clean water in and around homes, such as in flower pots, water coolers, and discarded containers.
In addition to dengue, Aedes mosquitoes are also vectors for other significant viral diseases like Chikungunya, Zika, and Yellow Fever.

Option B: The Culex mosquito is not the vector for dengue. It is primarily known for transmitting other diseases.
Option C: The Anopheles mosquito is the famous vector for malaria, not dengue.
Option D: The Culiseta genus of mosquitoes is not considered a major vector for prominent human diseases, especially when compared to Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vector-Borne Diseases and Their Transmission as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
As a community health nurse, a primary role is educating the public on vector control measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, to prevent outbreaks of diseases like dengue.
In a clinical setting, nurses must be vigilant in identifying the signs and symptoms of dengue (high fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pains) for prompt diagnosis and management, especially watching for warning signs of severe dengue.
What if? If a patient from a dengue-endemic area presents with high fever and severe, debilitating polyarthralgia (joint pain), the nurse should also consider Chikungunya as a differential diagnosis, as it is transmitted by the same Aedes mosquito and can co-occur.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to link a specific disease (dengue) with its insect vector.
This is a factual recall question common in community health nursing and microbiology.
Systematically recall the main mosquito vectors and the primary diseases they carry: Anopheles -> Malaria; Aedes -> Dengue/Chikungunya; Culex -> Japanese Encephalitis/Filariasis.
Scan the options to find the mosquito associated with dengue.
Select 'Aedes mosquito' as it correctly matches the dengue vector.
Eliminate the other options by confirming they are vectors for different diseases.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 87-89

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 241-243

Practise the full Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.