The diseases that mosquitos transmit have thankfully been met with advancements in medicine, but they can still be potentially fatal to humans. Many of these diseases can have lasting consequences if left untreated, which is why it is important to see medical attention for signs of mosquito-transmitted diseases. There are three diseases most commonly associated with mosquito bites:
Malaria – This is possibly the most famous disease associated with mosquitos. A one-celled parasite causes it, and can be contracted by mosquitoes and passed on to the next host through the mosquito’s saliva. This parasite demolishes the red blood cells in humans. Anywhere from 200 to 300 million people are infected with malaria annually, gaining lasting damage to their organs and blood vessels. Common malaria symptoms include chills, headaches, fatigue, aches, fever, and nausea.
Zika Virus – This virus has come into recent news because the effects of the disease unfortunately does not stop after the immediate mosquito bite. Zika virus is not typically fatal, but the symptoms are not enjoyable at all. They are reminiscent of flu symptoms, as the most common ones include muscle and joint pain, fever, headaches, and a rash. But beyond those risks, pregnant women who get Zika virus from a mosquito can potentially pass the virus on to their fetus. Zika virus can potentially cause a number of birth defects in the fetus, including microcephaly.
West Nile Virus – Most people infected with West Nile virus do not experience any symptoms and will be fine. But 25% of people infected with this virus do show symptoms, and about .01% of those people will acquire a dangerous disease. The common symptoms some people experience include fever, aches, vomiting, and fatigue. Anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or compromised immune symptoms are at higher risk of developing a neurological disease like meningitis or encephalitis.