Lots of insects suck blood, but one species above
all others has a reputation for this, out of all
proportion to its size: the mosquito. Due to the
diseases they carry and inject, mosquitoes are
responsible for more human deaths than any other animal.
The most deadly of these diseases is malaria, which
although eradicated from much of the northern
hemisphere, continues to pose a mortal threat in
developing countries. Two billion people a year are
exposed to malarial infection, of which over 350 million
succumb and nearly 700,000 die, the majority in
sub-Saharan Africa. In Mosquito, Richard Jones recounts
the history of mosquitoes' relationship with mankind,
and their transformation from a trivial gnat into a
serious disease-carrying menace. Drawing on scientific
fact, historical evidence, and literary evocation, the
book provides a colourful portrait of this tiny insect
and the notorious diseases it carries. Mosquito offers a
compelling warning against the contemporary complacency
surrounding malaria and other diseases in western
society, whilst also exploring the sinister reputation
of the insect in general. Written in an accessible style
for a broad readership, the title will appeal to all
those with an interest in tropical medicine and disease,
as well as anyone pestered in the night by the annoying,
familiar whine of this diminutive air-borne
adversary.
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