5 diseases transmitted by mosquitoes that pose significant health risks

Mosquitoes rank among the most perilous creatures globally, despite their small size, as they wield a potentially lethal impact on human health. Acting as vectors for various diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis, Chikungunya, and Zika virus, they pose significant threats. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites claim up to 1 million lives annually. Their danger lies in the transmission of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, instigating debilitating illnesses. Below are five of the deadliest diseases everyone should be aware of:

Malaria 

Malaria, a parasitic disease, spreads through the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes, typically prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Its primary symptoms include fever and flu-like manifestations. After infection, malaria symptoms gradually manifest as sporozoites, the parasites, infiltrate the bloodstream, proliferating and impacting red blood cells.

Indications of Malaria

• Headache
• Muscle Pain
• Low blood pressure
• Altered state of consciousness
• Persistent orthostatic hypotension
• Chills

Dengue 

Dengue, transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, occurs when mosquitoes feed on the blood of an infected person and subsequently spread the infection to others they bite. Often referred to as “break-bone” fever due to its potential to induce severe joint and muscle pain, dengue fever is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

Symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe. Typically, they manifest within 4-7 days following the bite of an infected mosquito.

Indications of Dengue Fever

• Intense headache
• Retro-orbital discomfort: pain situated behind the eyes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and joint ache
• Skin rashes, potentially extending from the chest to the limbs and face
• Sudden onset of elevated body temperature

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is spread through the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. It can result in severe, long-lasting joint discomfort along with rashes and fever. While the fever itself isn’t typically fatal, it can lead to significant illness. Its symptoms closely resemble those of dengue fever and typically emerge 2-4 days following a bite from an infected mosquito.

Indications of Dengue  

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Rash on the skin due to damaged blood vessels 
• Constipation
• Dizziness 
• Cold fingers and toes 
• Severe muscle and joint muscles 
• Sore throat 
• Severe headache 
• Painful abdominal cramps 

Zika Virus 

The Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites from carriers of the virus, which are the same mosquitoes responsible for transmitting yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue. Its incubation period is estimated to be a few days. Symptoms of Zika Virus may include:

• Joint pain 
• Fever 
• Rash 
• Headaches 
• Lethargy 
• Muscle pain (myalgia)
• Conjunctivitis 

Japanese Encephalitis 

This viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes to humans, causes inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain. While many infections are mild and may not show obvious symptoms, the disease can manifest with a sudden onset of:

• High fever 
• Neck stiffness 
• Disorientation 
• Coma 
• Seizures
• Spastic Paralysis 

In order to prevent infection, individuals should utilize repellents within their homes and implement additional preventive measures.

Tips

• Mosquitoes are considered one of the most dangerous creatures in the world
• Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases including malaria, yellow fever, etc. 
• Mosquito bites can kill up to 1 million people a year