The COVID-19 pandemic is still rampant in many parts of the world. Many diseases, such as West Nile and Zika, are transmitted through mosquito bites. Many people worry that the same could happen with COVID-19. Experts are then finding out if mosquitoes can carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
It Is a No
Scientists say that mosquitoes cannot transmit COVID-19. The mosquito must bite an infected person first. There should be enough of the virus in the blood enough to infect the mosquito and the next possible host. The virus must survive in the mosquito’s midgut. It needs to multiply there and then bind to the receptor’s sites on the midgut’s wall. Then, it must pass through this barrier and enter the cavity of the mosquito’s body cavity.
When the virus enters the body, it needs to make it through the immune system of the mosquito. Then, the virus must make it back to the mosquito’s salivary glands. The next time the insect bites, the new human host will get the virus.
This long and complicated journey must finish until the mosquito bites again. That is why not all viruses, including monkeypox, flu, and coronavirus, cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites. Experts from the Biosecurity Research Institute at Kansas State University have established that SARS-CoV-2 cannot multiply in mosquitoes. They stated this because their findings proved that mosquitoes that had a blood meal from a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 cannot transmit it to another person.
It Is Not Even Possible in the Future
Many people wonder if mosquitoes could still carry the virus even with constant mutations within the virus. Scientists say that this could never be possible. The mutations that would have to happen will make the mosquito transmission of SARS-CoV-2 improbable.
Attracting More Mosquitoes Because of COVID-19?
Mosquito-borne viruses like dengue tend to make an individual more attractive to mosquitoes. This helps them transmit the virus more effectively. Studies show that COVID-19 patients release a unique molecular mixture. There is still no certainty that these patients could attract more biting mosquitoes to spread the coronavirus.
The Diseases Mosquitoes Transmit
Mosquitoes cannot transmit COVID-19, but these biting insects can transmit the following diseases:
- Yellow fever
- West Nile virus
- Dengue fever
- Malaria
- Japanese encephalitis
- California encephalitis
- Eastern equine encephalitis
- Venezuela encephalitis
- Chikungunya
- Elephantiasis
- Western equine encephalitis
- Zika
- St. Louis encephalitis
COVID-19 Transmission
The CDC says that COVID-19 is transmitted between individuals that are near each other. This coronavirus can transfer to another person through the release of respiratory droplets. The droplets can then enter the other person’s eyes, nose, lungs, or mouth. This is direct contact.
Indirect contact involves the settling of the coronavirus droplets on objects and surfaces. Touching these surfaces and then touching your mucous areas can lead to infection. Wearing masks, sanitizing, and staying at least six feet away from other people can prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Preventing Mosquito Bites Is Important
COVID-19 is the last thing to worry about when mosquitoes bite you. This coronavirus is a respiratory virus and it cannot be spread by insects. You should worry about the mosquito-borne viruses that keep plaguing the world. The CDC says that wearing DEET-treated clothing and using insect repellent can keep mosquitoes away.
When you travel, you should protect yourself by using mosquito netting and staying indoors during biting hours. Proper vaccines and prophylactic medications can help keep bites away during your travels.
COVID-19 may not be transmittable through mosquito bites, but you should still protect yourself from mosquito bites. This can prevent you from contracting mosquito-borne diseases. And although there are vaccines for this coronavirus, you must still practice preventive protocols. Doing so can keep you and your loved ones safe.
