What Do Mosquitoes Carry?
WouterAmong the world’s most dangerous creatures is the mosquito, which transmits a variety of diseases to humans. These insects infect millions of people each year. Known as vectors, they are responsible for spreading dengue, Zika, and other viruses. They can also carry malaria and West Nile virus.
They can be found in both tropical and subtropical climates. Their bodies are covered with hair-like scales. They have a long, tubular mouthpart for sucking up fluids. They also have a proboscis, which they use to probe blood vessels. They are attracted to body odors and carbon dioxide.
The female mosquito lays eggs on the surface of the water. The larvae feed on microorganisms in the water. They then develop into an adult. They will lay dozens of eggs at a time.
The Asian tiger mosquito is capable of carrying West Nile virus. It also can be found in the Midwest, where it spreads a disease called LaCrosse encephalitis. This disease affects children and is linked to wooded areas populated with rodents.
The Culex mosquito is a common species of house mosquito. Its bodies are covered with whitish markings. Its bites occur at dusk. The Culex mosquito can carry a number of bacterial diseases, such as tularemia. It can also spread a parasitic disease, lymphatic filariasis.
Aedes species of mosquitoes can carry chikungunya, dengue fever, and Rift Valley fever. The aedes mosquito is also known for transmitting the Zika virus. They are found in Africa and in the United States.
