Mosquito-borne diseases are known to cause severe symptoms. These symptoms can be deadly in some individuals. The warm months are coming. This time of the year is when mosquito populations spike. That is why it is imperative to protect yourself and your family from bites even more, indoors and outdoors.
What Mosquitoes Do
These opportunistic feeders can easily ruin any occasion by leaving red welts after sucking blood. In doing so, they can also leave mosquito-borne diseases. They are silent when they feed. Mosquitoes can quickly penetrate the human skin without the person noticing. That is why they are highly successful in nourishing their eggs and expanding their numbers.
Mosquitoes have mastered their feeding methods. That is why they are highly effective in maximizing their capacity to carry deadly diseases. They are, in fact, known as the world’s deadliest animal. Mosquitoes only weigh about 2.5 milligrams, but their bites often lead to at least 700,000 deaths annually. The following are the mosquito-borne diseases that can turn fatal.
West Nile
The common symptoms of this illness include neck stiffness, headache, and fever. Some individuals can also experience muscle weakness, convulsions, and tremors. But studies show that about 80% of infected patients do not develop symptoms. The absence of symptoms does not mean that West Nile is not deadly. Severe forms of the disease can affect one in about 150 diagnosed individuals. Vulnerable ones who can suffer from severe illness include those over 60, with organ transplants, or specific health conditions.
Malaria
Female mosquitoes of the Anopheles species spread this disease. Infected individuals may experience chills, fever, and headaches. The symptoms start about 10-15 days after the infectious bite. Studies show that 247 million cases of malaria surface each year. There are now drug-resistant strains that make this disease even more formidable.
Dengue
Research reveals that about 390 million dengue cases occur each year. It is found in 100 countries. The treatment priority is to relieve the symptoms in mild infections. Severe dengue or break bone fever includes vomiting, high fever, and intense abdominal pain. Individuals can also experience joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headache, nausea, and death.
Yellow Fever
Haemogogus and Aedes species of female mosquitoes are the main vectors of Yellow Fever. The symptoms include nausea, fever, headache, and muscle pain. An infection can cause jaundice, which gives the whites of the eyes and the skin a yellow color. Studies show that this condition is often difficult to diagnose. It is often mistaken for viral hepatitis, malaria, or leptospirosis. Yellow fever often fades quickly. There are supportive treatments and even a vaccine that can keep this illness under control.
Chikungunya
The Caribbean was the primary channel that allowed chikungunya outbreaks to reach the Americas. The disease first occurred in the Pacific Islands, and also, in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Studies show that it is now spotted in 110 countries, with at least two million cases known since 2005. Chikungunya’s vector is the Asian Tiger mosquito. It is an aggressive insect that has a wide territory.
Zika
Its symptoms include rashes, fever, conjunctivitis, and headache. Joint and muscle pain can also manifest in an infected host. Mosquito-borne diseases usually affect the host alone. Zika also affects the developing fetus in infected mothers. These women have an increased risk of miscarriage. They can also experience a preterm birth. Congenital malformations can also occur in the fetus. Microcephaly is the most common one.
Research reveals that Zika can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. The Zika virus can stay in the sexual organs for extended periods. This happens without manifesting any symptoms. The absence of symptoms allows the individual to engage in sexual intercourse and spread the virus. Doctors suggest refraining from engaging in any sexual activity for about six months after the infection. Doing so will prevent passing the virus to sexual partners.
Mosquito-borne diseases can be deadly. That is why you must always prevent mosquito bites. Doing so is the only way to ensure the health and safety of your household. Work with your healthcare provider to spot early symptoms. Early diagnosis can lead to early treatment, which can prevent complications.