World Health Day observed on April 7

GENEVA, Switzerland, April 7 (UPI) -- Each year since 1950, the World Health Organization has celebrated World Health Day on April 7 as an occasion to promote pressing messages about global health.

This year's message endeavors to educate the public that even the smallest of pests can carry disease. With its "Small Bite: Big Threat" initiative, WHO is sending the following message:

"Mosquitoes, flies, ticks and bugs may be a threat to your health -- and that of your family -- at home and when travelling."

According to WHO, more than 50 percent of the world's population is at risk of contracting vector spread diseases like malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, and yellow fever. Such diseases, however, are preventable.

Simple steps can be taken to prevent becoming infected by the critters whose "small bites" carry a "big threat." To protect yourself, WHO recommends "sleeping under a bednet, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and trousers and using insect repellent."

[World Health Organization]