What Virus Can You Get From Mosquitoes?
WouterAmong the thousands of species of mosquitoes that are found worldwide, there are certain species that are capable of transmitting certain diseases to humans and animals. Mosquitoes are classified as diptera and can carry a variety of viruses.
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include encephalitis, dengue fever, West Nile, and Zika virus. Some mosquitoes also carry malaria, Rift Valley fever, and yellow fever. In some regions, mosquitoes also transmit chikungunya, an alphavirus, to humans.
Encephalitis is a disease that affects the brain. In humans, the virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. In children, the illness may lead to seizures and nervous system complications. It is characterized by fever, headache, rash, and joint pain. Some of the symptoms of less severe infections are vomiting, chills, and backache.
Dengue fever is the leading cause of illness in the tropics and subtropics. The virus causes high fever, joint pain, and bleeding. It is caused by Aedes aegypti, a mosquito known as the yellow fever mosquito.
Mosquitoes are also carriers of other viruses and parasites. Some of these viruses, like the LaCrosse virus, can cause encephalitis in humans. Some mosquitoes, such as the tree hole mosquito, bite by day and lay eggs in containers.
These mosquitoes are active outdoors and tend to live in rural areas. They are often found in wooded areas that contain rodents and squirrels. Their eggs are laid in small containers with water.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is also a carrier of yellow fever, which is caused by the Rift Valley disease. The Aedes species are also able to transmit filariasis and chikungunya to humans.
