Mosquitoes are undoubtedly the most annoying summer pest and a major source of human suffering around the world. Their capacity to survive and multiply in any weather makes them difficult to manage.
The buzzing alone can drive a person insane, let alone the excruciating bites. The mosquitoes’ ability to carry diseases and parasites that affect humans and animals makes them even more hazardous. There are upto 7 diseases caused by mosquitoes.
7 Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are bloodsuckers. As a result, they consume parasites and viruses from their hosts and can quickly spread them to new victims via saliva.
Mosquito-borne diseases are infections transmitted by mosquitos. These blood-sucking bugs infect almost 700 million people each year, resulting in over a million fatalities.
The following is a list of diseases spread by mosquitos. Malaria, Dengue fever, Yellow fever, Zika virus, Chikungunya, Elephantiasis, and Japanese encephalitis are only a few of them.
Mosquitoes are known to spread a variety of diseases.
1. Malaria
This is the world’s most well-known mosquito-borne disease. The disease affects over 40% of the world’s population, with tropical countries being the most vulnerable.
The female anopheles mosquito feeds on afflicted persons and picks up the plasmodium parasite. The parasite takes 10 to 18 days to grow and is transferred through saliva.
After entering the bloodstream, the parasite multiplies in the liver before feeding on red blood cells.
Malaria, if left untreated, can be fatal because it cuts off blood circulation to vital organs. Malaria parasites have evolved resistance to a variety of treatments in a number of nations.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Sweating and chills
2. Dengue Fever
A female mosquito of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species transmits the virus. albopictus albopictus albopictus albopictus alb
It’s difficult to get a precise diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases including typhoid fever and malaria. The number of antibodies in infected blood has increased, according to laboratory studies.
Principal Signs and Symptoms
Fever is really high.
Joint, muscular, and bone discomfort, as well as pain behind the eyes
Mild bleeding from the nose and gums
Rash
Respiratory distress, fluid buildup, plasma leakage, and organ dysfunction are all symptoms of severe dengue fever.
3. Virus Chikungunya
This disease originated in the Caribbean and has been detected in over 35 states including the Virgin Islands, the United States, and Puerto Rico. The disease is not lethal, despite the lack of a specific medicine or vaccine.
IgM antibodies can be identified in the blood for 3-5 weeks after the onset of symptoms and for up to two months after that.
While the condition does not always lead to death, joint pain can linger for months or even years, resulting in chronic pain and disability.
Chills, vomiting, nausea, muscle soreness, exhaustion, headache, rapid fever, rash, and lower back discomfort are all signs of the chikungunya virus. Misdiagnosis might occur if symptoms are similar to those of other disorders.
Because there is no vaccine or medicine available, it is critical to avoid mosquito bites to avoid contracting the disease.
4. Zika Virus
The Zika virus is spread by the same species that causes dengue fever and chikungunya.
It can also be passed from person to person through sexual contact. There have been epidemics of the disease in the Pacific Islands, tropical Africa, the United States, and Southeast Asia.
Infection victims are frequently asymptomatic and only require hospitalization in rare cases.
Red eyes, conjunctivitis, fever, joint problems, and a rash are all possible symptoms. Because there is no known treatment or vaccine, prevention is the sole option.
While death from this condition is infrequent, it is harmful for pregnant mothers and their newborns. Microcephaly is a condition caused by the illness.
This results in neonates having a tiny skull and brain, which leads to neurological abnormalities and death. The Zika virus can potentially induce Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is a life-long illness.
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5. Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is common in Africa and South America’s tropical and subtropical regions. The term “yellow” refers to a frequent symptom called jaundice.
Every year, about 200,000 cases of yellow fever are reported, with 30,000 deaths. Africa accounts for 90% of these figures. An infected Haemagogus or Aedes mosquito species spreads the virus.
The majority of those infected with yellow fever experience just minor symptoms or none at all. However, about 15% of symptomatic people’s illnesses proceed to the severe stage.
Jaundice, back ache, muscle discomfort, nausea, high temperature, hemorrhage, shock, and organ failure are some of the symptoms. In this scenario, vaccination is the most effective preventive approach.
6. Filariasis of the Lymphatic System (Elephantiasis)
Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia timori, and Brugia malayi are three filarial worms that can cause this illness. Humans contract lymphatic filariasis from mosquito bites, which causes painful disfigurement and may lead to permanent disability.
The illness can have long-term social, physical, mental, and financial consequences. Lymphomoedema, scrotal swelling, and elephantiasis are some of the visual indications of the condition that appear later in life.
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7. Encephalitis in Japan is a disease that affects the brain.
This is the most common cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, with almost 68,000 cases reported each year. Culex is the species that bites humans and transmits the infection to them.
Although the majority of these cases have mild or no symptoms, one out of every 250 cases evolves into a serious illness. Disorientation, headaches, seizures, stiff neck, high temperature, coma, spastic paralysis, and even death are some of the usual symptoms.
The death rate in symptomatic patients could be as high as 30%. The good news is that this encephalitis virus is preventable with a vaccination.
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FAQ:
7 Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes
Q1: What percent of mosquitos are disease carriers?
Despite the fact that mosquitos are responsible for a wide range of diseases, not all mosquitos are infected. Only one out of every 500 mosquitos is infected.
Q2: Do mosquitoes have the ability to transmit STDs?
Mosquitoes can only transmit diseases that have the ability to multiply within their own bodies.
Only direct fluid-to-fluid contact allows STDs to survive. The infection is killed by the bugs’ digestive tracts. As a result, it is not transmittable.
Q3: Can a mosquito provide you with medical assistance?
Mosquitoes are known to spread a variety of viruses, including dengue fever and malaria. They do not, however, spread HIV/AIDS. There is no proof that arthropods can transmit AIDS.
Q4: Are mosquitoes capable of transmitting hepatitis?
Mosquitos transmit diseases by their saliva. Hepatitis is only transferred by blood, which is a good thing.
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The Best Approach Is Prevention
Mosquito bites aren’t just itchy lumps on the skin. They produce devastating diseases that result in a large number of deaths each year. To protect yourself and your family from the diseases spread by mosquitoes, apply repellants.
Pests will be kept at bay if your surroundings are well maintained. You can also hire a professional exterminator to assist you with the issue.