Do Mosquitoes Make You Sick?
WouterTaking simple steps to prevent mosquito bites can help you protect yourself from these itchy creatures. While mosquitoes are usually harmless, they can carry disease-causing microorganisms. Whether you live in a tropical climate or are traveling, it’s important to know the signs of mosquito-borne illness.
The most common type of mosquito-borne illness is malaria. This disease occurs in tropical regions of the world, mainly in Africa. In some cases, malaria can be life-threatening.
Mosquitoes can carry viruses that cause malaria. These viruses cause fever and joint pain, and can even cause meningitis. You should seek medical help if you experience any of these symptoms.
The symptoms of malaria usually begin three to 14 days after a mosquito bite. However, in some cases, the symptoms can last several weeks. The severity of symptoms depends on the type of virus that’s causing the infection.
Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain, and fatigue. You may also develop a rash or a rash-like reaction. Some people experience nausea, joint pain, and confusion.
Some people can develop skeeter syndrome, a severe allergic reaction that’s usually found in young children. Skeeter syndrome typically resolves on its own within three to 10 days. People with skeeter syndrome may develop a fever. They may also experience fatigue, trouble moving, and difficulty eating or drinking.
Other types of mosquito-borne illness include chikungunya, dengue fever, and West Nile Virus. The symptoms of all of these diseases can be dangerous. The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to avoid mosquitoes in the first place. You can also use mosquito repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
