Mosquito Borne Diseases

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

Mosquito-borne diseases, also known as mosquito-borne illnesses, are diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Common types include malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus.

Importance of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases, including mosquito-borne diseases, account for over 17% of all infectious diseases worldwide, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually.

These diseases can have severe health consequences, including long-term disability or even death.

Transmission of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected animals or humans.

When an infected mosquito bites an uninfected person, the parasites, bacteria, or viruses are transmitted into their bloodstream.

These pathogens can then multiply and cause symptoms of the disease.

Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases

* Malaria: A potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite, causing fever, chills, vomiting, and anemia. * Dengue Fever: A viral infection causing high fever, muscle aches, headache, and a rash. * West Nile Virus: A viral infection that can cause fever, headache, vomiting, and, in severe cases, encephalitis. * Chikungunya: A viral infection causing severe joint pain, fever, headache, and a rash. * Yellow Fever: A viral infection causing fever, jaundice, and, in severe cases, liver failure. * Zika Virus: A viral infection that can cause fever, rash, headache, and, in pregnant women, birth defects in their babies.

Prevention and Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

There are several ways to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases:

* Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds: Remove standing water around homes, such as in tires, birdbaths, and flower pots. * Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. * Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially when outdoors during dawn and dusk. * Use Mosquito Nets: Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticides. * Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available for some mosquito-borne diseases, such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.