Do Mosquitoes Give You Diseases?
WouterDespite their names, mosquitoes aren’t the only arthropods that transmit disease. There are thousands of species of small flies that carry microorganisms that can cause diseases. The majority of mosquito-borne diseases are found in Africa and Southeast Asia. The disease causing organisms are usually viruses, but they can also include parasites.
One of the most common diseases that is transmitted by mosquitoes is malaria. This disease is caused by a parasite, called Plasmodium, which enters human red blood cells. The disease is very serious and can kill 2.7 million people each year. However, malaria can be treated.
Another mosquito-transmitted disease is West Nile Virus (WNV). This is a disease caused by the Culex mosquito. It can cause a rash, fever, and body aches. The symptoms are usually experienced 3 to 15 days after the mosquito bite.
Some mosquitoes also carry the virus that causes Japanese encephalitis. This disease is not as common, but it can cause brain infections called meningitis. It’s a serious illness that can cause permanent disability.
Another mosquito-transmitted disease is Ross River virus (RRVD). This virus is found in Australia, New Guinea, and the western Pacific Islands. It is usually transmitted by a female mosquito. It can cause headaches, fever, joint pain, and nausea.
Another mosquito-borne disease is dengue fever. This disease is also transmitted by a female mosquito. The female mosquito needs blood to lay eggs. These eggs hatch into worm-like larvae that breathe through tubes on the tails of the bodies.
