Mosquitoes are more than annoying pests. Around the world, they spread diseases that can cause serious illness and death. Through their bites, mosquitoes can transmit viruses and parasites from one host to another, making them one of the most dangerous animals on the planet.
So, what diseases do mosquitoes carry? Below, we’ll look at three serious mosquito-borne illnesses — West Nile virus, malaria and Zika — and explain how to prevent mosquito bites in the first place.
As female mosquitoes move from host to blood-filled host, they sometimes pick up disease-causing microorganisms from infected victims. Once ingested, they can then transmit those pathogens to other innocent people or animals. Some of the most common and deadly diseases they spread include:
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes that have bitten an infected bird with the disease. Approximately 80% of people who get WNV experience no symptoms, and those who do usually notice symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, tremors and muscle weakness. This disease is most dangerous to those who are immunocompromised, have certain medical conditions or are 60 and older.
Malaria is spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes (one of more than 3,000 species). Symptoms usually begin about 10 to 15 days after a mosquito has bitten a victim and include fever, headache and chills. While malaria is treatable, some of the parasites that cause the disease have adapted against anti-malarial medications, which has left some strains of the disease completely drug resistant.
The Zika virus is often passed through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. Once a person is infected, there’s a large chance they’ll be asymptomatic. Those with symptoms often experience muscle and joint pain, fever, rash and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Surprisingly, mosquitoes aren’t the only culprits of spreading Zika. Infected humans can also spread the disease through sexual contact as the virus can survive in sexual organs, often with the transmitter not experiencing any symptoms.
In addition, pregnant mothers with Zika can also transmit the disease to their unborn babies. An Zika infection during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born with microcephaly, a birth defect that causes the baby’s head to be smaller than normal. The disease also can lead to other severe birth defects.
Mosquitoes bite because female mosquitoes need the nutrients in blood to produce their eggs. Male mosquitoes do not bite people and instead feed on flower nectar.
Think of female mosquitoes as tiny vampires. Once they’ve found a host, they use a needle-like mouthpart called a proboscis to pierce the skin and draw blood. While feeding, they release saliva into the skin, which is what often causes the itching or stinging sensation that follows a bite.
While mosquito bites are often just an annoying nuisance, some mosquitoes can carry serious illnesses. To better protect yourself and your family, try these prevention tips: Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent with an active ingredient, such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).
With the University of Florida’s online Master’s Degree in Entomology with a Specialization in Medical Entomology or Graduate Certificate in Medical Entomology, you’ll learn everything you need to start the next chapter in your entomology career, whether you’re pursuing a role as a mosquito control technician, vector control specialist or another critical role in public health.
Our programs feature entirely online courses, where you’ll learn how to identify biting arthropods, discuss the biology of mosquitoes and arthropod-borne diseases and develop management options for mosquitoes and their diseases.
Students are accepted year-round, and there’s no GRE requirement. You can complete your online coursework at a pace you’re comfortable with. Learn more about UF’s online entomology graduate certificate programs today.
Sources:
https://www.mosquito.org/page/diseases
https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/zoology/item/why-do-mosquitoes-bite-me-and-not-my-friend
https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/6_mosquito_diseases_that_can_be_deadly
https://www.ecolab.com/pages/common-types-of-mosquitoes
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
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