Can Mosquitoes Be Deadly?
WouterAlmost every region on the planet has mosquitoes. In the United States alone, there are over 3,500 different species. Some of these species can be extremely dangerous to humans.
Mosquitoes carry and transmit viruses, and they can be deadly. They carry diseases like yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria. They are small enough that they can go unnoticed until damage has been done.
Female mosquitoes can spread several different types of diseases. They feed on blood, and they are responsible for more than a million deaths per year. In fact, they are the deadliest animal on the planet.
Among the most harmful diseases are leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria. In the United States, female mosquitoes are the main carriers of malaria. They can also transmit other viruses, such as chikungunya, West Nile, and Zika.
The World Health Organization estimates that about half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting these viruses. There are currently no vaccines that can prevent these diseases. However, there are steps that people can take to protect themselves.
If you live in a warm climate, using mosquito repellent sprays or mosquito nets can keep these insects at bay. If you work in a warm climate, it is important that you take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. You should also avoid scratching your bites.
If you experience a severe headache, high fever, or muscle aches, you may have contracted a disease from a mosquito. Symptoms of less serious infections can include chills, backaches, and vomiting.
