What Mosquitoes Are Dangerous
WouterWhenever you think about mosquitoes, you probably think of a harmless little bug. In fact, mosquitoes are deadly and can carry diseases to humans.
The World Health Organization reports that mosquito-borne diseases are spreading rapidly around the world. The United States alone has seen an increase in disease outbreaks in some areas. This is due to human movement into tropical regions.
Some examples of mosquito-borne diseases are malaria, yellow fever, and dengue. Some people can also be infected with dengue hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms of these diseases include high fever, headache, and joint pain.
Another dangerous mosquito-borne disease is Zika. This virus is known to cause congenital anomalies in pregnant women. It can also be transmitted sexually. Currently, there are two strains of the disease. The Zika virus is endemic in Venezuela and Brazil.
In the Western Hemisphere, the most common virus carried by mosquitoes is West Nile. Several different species of mosquitoes can carry the disease. The mosquitoes can fly more than 20 miles from a source of water. They are especially bothersome after heavy rain.
The female Aedes aegypti mosquito carries the disease and feeds on humans. She needs protein from the blood to produce eggs. During the day, she bites humans. She then transmits the disease to her offspring.
Female mosquitoes are considered to be the deadliest animal on earth. They are able to spread disease and can cause serious allergic reactions. They also have a tendency to bite through thin clothing.
