Do Mosquitoes Kill Humans?
WouterDespite their innocuous name, mosquitoes are deadly. They carry a number of viruses and diseases, and can cause millions of deaths. Their bites cause allergic reactions in some people. The Zika virus is a particularly dangerous disease. Symptoms include joint pain and rash. In addition to Zika, mosquitoes can carry other viruses and diseases, including dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
The Anopheles mosquito is the main carrier of malaria. The mosquito also carries other viruses and diseases, including West Nile and chikungunya.
Malaria is especially harmful to children under five years of age. The virus multiplies in red blood cells, causing high temperatures and headaches. It also travels to the liver, where it reproduces. The mosquito’s bites can also cause bleeding in the nose, gums, and mouth.
Female mosquitoes are also the carriers of many diseases. They feed on humans, but they can also spread diseases, including lymphatic filariasis and encephalitis. The virus they carry can cause birth defects.
Mosquitoes are especially harmful to people in subtropical regions. They can be especially problematic at night. They sense body chemicals and detect carbon dioxide exhaled by their hosts from many feet away. They are also a significant pollinator for many plants. They have a short rainy season, and depend on human-stored water. During construction of the Panama Canal, mosquitoes were responsible for tens of thousands of deaths.
Despite the negative effects of mosquitoes, they are still an important part of many ecosystems. They are food for many species, and they play a vital role in many other ecosystems.
