Can Mosquitoes Cause Disease?
WouterViruses and parasites are the main vectors of mosquitoes. These parasites and viruses cause a number of mosquito-borne diseases. These mosquito-borne diseases are transmitted from human to human through bites.
The West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria are some of the most common diseases spread by mosquitoes. These mosquito-borne diseases affect hundreds of millions of people in the world.
In Africa, the Plasmodium falciparum parasite has been associated with over a million deaths each year. The Anopheles gambiae complex is responsible for transmitting these viruses. The majority of the infections occur in rural areas of Africa.
Malaria is a disease that can lead to fatal complications. The most common symptoms of malaria include a high fever and shaking chills. These symptoms are followed by profuse sweating and muscle pain. A severe headache is also common.
Another mosquito-borne disease is dengue. This disease affects a large number of people, especially in tropical countries. Infections are not uncommon in the United States.
Other mosquito-borne diseases include La Crosse encephalitis, Barmah Forest virus, and Western equine encephalitis. These diseases are primarily transmitted by the Tree Hole mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is also known to carry these viruses.
Some people can become infected without having to feed on an infected host. Those who have been bitten by infected mosquitoes can develop an allergic reaction to the saliva. This causes itching and a red bump to form on the skin. The bites usually go away on their own, but a few may get infected and be painful.
