Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses that are transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are vectors, meaning they can carry pathogens like viruses, bacteria, or parasites from one host to another.
Some common mosquito-borne diseases include
- Malaria: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is transmitted through the Anopheles mosquito. It can lead to fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.
- Dengue Fever: Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It leads to high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and in severe cases, it can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
- Zika Virus: The Zika virus is also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It gained attention due to its association with birth defects when pregnant women are infected. Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.
- Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus and is also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It can lead to fever, jaundice, and bleeding, and severe cases can be fatal.
- West Nile Virus: West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by the Culex mosquito. Most infected individuals show no symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache, body aches, and, in severe cases, neurological complications.
- Chikungunya Fever: Chikungunya virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It causes fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and rash. While it’s usually not fatal, joint pain can be chronic and debilitating.
- Japanese Encephalitis: Japanese encephalitis virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. It can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), leading to neurological complications and sometimes death.
- Lymphatic Filariasis: Also known as elephantiasis, this disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted by various mosquito species. It leads to swelling of body parts and can cause severe disability.
Prevention and control measures for mosquito-borne diseases include mosquito control programs (such as insecticide spraying and eliminating breeding sites), using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, using bed nets treated with insecticides, and vaccination (where available).
