Can Mosquitoes Be Poisonous?
WouterDespite their itchy bites, mosquitoes are not poisonous. They are simply vectors that can carry a variety of diseases. Their saliva is also known to cause allergic reactions.
Most people are allergic to the sting of a mosquito. The body’s immune system reacts to the mosquito’s saliva by sending chemical histamine to the bite site. This causes the itchiness and swelling. However, some people are more sensitive than others.
There are 200 species of mosquito in the United States. These insects are responsible for spreading several deadly diseases. They can carry a wide range of viruses, including dengue, West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis, yellow fever, and Zika.
There are four stages in a mosquito’s life. The female mosquito bites, lays eggs, and then hatches into larvae. The adult mosquito does not fly very far from the larval stage.
Several species of mosquitoes are known to transmit Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which is the most common type of malaria. This parasite affects red blood cells and causes fever. If not treated immediately, malaria can be fatal.
Female mosquitoes can live for months, laying their eggs in standing water. They can also hibernate for winter. They feed on plant juices and nectar. The main targets of female mosquitoes are mammals and birds.
Some of these mosquitoes carry a parasite called filariasis. This parasite damages the lymphatic system and causes disability.
Aedes species mosquitoes can spread Zika virus. The virus is spread through a bite. It is not prevented by a vaccine. Symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, joint pain, and rash.
