Guide to Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are seen flying everywhere. Over 3,500 kinds of mosquitoes are found all over the globe. Not all mosquitoes bite animals or people, but if they do, the most common reactions to the bite are swelling and itching. Some mosquitoes can be vectors. Vectors are ticks, insects, or animals that spread germs to animals and people, making you sick immediately. Some mosquitoes bite, but don’t spread germs. These are called nuisance mosquitoes.

What Are the Different Kinds of Mosquito-Borne Diseases? 

• Zika Virus

Most people will only have mild symptoms from the Zika Virus, including red eyes, joint pain, rash, and a fever. The real danger is to pregnant women and their babies. It’s associated with a birth defect called microcephaly, which leads to brain damage and small heads. Zika virus is a huge problem in many parts of the globe, including Brazil and other places in South America, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. 

HOW TO AVOID ZIKA VIRUS

Keep yourself from this virus preventing mosquito bites both outdoors and indoors, especially at dusk and dawn when there’s high activity. You can:  

• Use mosquito repellents but make sure to read the instructions on the product label
• Rest or sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms
• Use mosquito nets
• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts 

If you’ve just visited a Zika-affected area, you’re not allowed to donate blood until the risks of infection have passed, which is 28 days after returning. 

• Dengue

Dengue is a common problem in Puerto Rico, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America. If you catch it, you might experience mucosal bleeding, skin rashes, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pains, intense headaches, and fevers. Often, it can also result in hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to death. In the United States, FDA-approved vaccines are only offered to children aged 9-16 who have already been exposed to one of the four dengue viruses. It was designed to prevent them from getting the disease again from one of the other viruses.

HOW TO AVOID DENGUE

One of the best ways to avoid getting infected by Dengue is by protecting yourself against mosquito bites. You can do that by preventing mosquito breeding outside and inside your homes. Make sure to avoid areas with standing water, especially during dusk and dawn. Lastly, you should also avoid visiting areas prone to mosquito-borne diseases. If you’re living in a mosquito-infested area, then you should use mosquito repellents or wear long pants to cover your legs and arms. If things get worse, call a qualified exterminator from your community. 

• West Nile Virus

You won’t probably experience any symptoms if you get a bite from a mosquito that’s carrying the West Nile Virus; however, other people may experience skin rashes, diarrhea, joint pain, and fever. You also have to look out for rare complications from this virus, including meningitis and encephalitis. As of now, there’s still no available vaccine for the West Nile Virus.

HOW TO AVOID WEST NILE VIRUS

Overall prevention depends on the screening of organ donors and blood, personal preventive measures to decrease exposure to infected mosquitoes, and community-level mosquito treatment programs to minimize vector densities. You can protect yourself by using quality mosquito repellents, not going outside during dusk and dawn, and wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Using air conditioners, reducing mosquito breeding sites, installing door and window screens, and calling someone that specializes in pest control can further prevent West Nile.

• Malaria

Malaria is a common problem in South Asia, South America, and sub-Saharan Africa. If you get infected, you may experience vomiting, chills, headaches, and fever. If you’re traveling to an area where it’s a huge problem, then use mosquito nets that are treated with insecticide and take anti-malaria medicines.

HOW TO AVOID MALARIA

To protect yourself, stay in a place with effective screening and air conditioning, but if you can’t find one, make sure to close the windows and doors properly. Use insect repellents and reapply them frequently. Your best bet is using repellents that contain diethyltoluamide (DEET), which may come in sprays, creams, roll-ons, and sticks. Because there aren’t available treatments for most of these mosquito-borne diseases and only a few particular vaccines are available to prevent them, the best thing you can do is to avoid getting bitten.

Who is at Risk of these Diseases and How Can You Prevent Them?

You’ll always be at risk of mosquito bites if you visit high-risk countries. Different species of mosquitoes spread different diseases, are most active at different times, and are found in different locations. The danger you may experience depends on the time of day, season, the kind of habitat at the site, and where you’re traveling to.

• Who is at Risk?

• Healthcare workers who handle potentially infectious patients. Transmission can occur through a sharp penetration or a tear in their skin.
• Laboratory workers who work with potentially infected arthropods, cultures, or samples.
• Business travelers who travel to areas with mosquito-borne diseases
• Outdoor workers
• People who live near areas with stagnant water
• People who like to travel

• Preventing Mosquito Bites

• Get rid of standing water near your home
• Keep mosquitoes outside.
• Use mosquito repellent.
• Wear light-colored clothing, especially outdoors.
• Stay indoors during dawn and dusk.
• Make yourself less appealing.
• Try using a natural repellent.

Worried that you or someone you know will get bitten by a disease-carrying mosquito? If so, contact PestGuide.org today to know the steps in eliminating mosquito infestations.

Need Help with a Mosquito Infestation?

Dealing with mosquito infestation is a difficult and sometimes time-consuming task. If you need professional help or you need to know more about mosquitoes, don’t hesitate to contact Pest Guide today. We offer different options in dealing with these pesky pests, and we can help in preventing future infestations.

FAQs on Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes