Common Mosquito-Borne Viruses
Mosquitoes transmit several viruses, often via the Aedes or Culex species. Some notable mosquito-borne viruses that have become a public health issue include:
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Dengue: Prevalent in over 100 countries, dengue is a life-threatening condition that presents with high fever, joint pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can even lead to hemorrhagic complications. Annually, dengue affects around 390 million people worldwide.
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Zika Virus: Known for its links to birth defects like microcephaly, Zika causes a mild, self-limited illness in adults with symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, muscle aches, and conjunctivitis. But if infection with this virus occurs during pregnancy, it can lead to serious birth defects such as microcephaly.
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Chikungunya: In the past decade, there has been a surge in cases of chikungunya outbreaks in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes and is characterized by fever, intense joint pain, and fatigue.
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West Nile Virus: The West Nile virus, spread by culex mosquitoes, often goes unnoticed as most infected people have no symptoms. But rarely, it can lead to encephalitis or meningitis, especially among the elderly or immunocompromised.
Parasitic Infections: Malaria and Beyond
While viruses are more widely known, parasites carried by mosquitoes also cause a significant disease burden.
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Malaria: This is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by Anopheles mosquito. Every year, malaria is responsible for over 600,000 deaths, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Symptoms of malaria include cyclical fevers, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Drug resistance remains a growing concern in malaria control efforts.
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Lymphatic Filariasis: Also known as elephantiasis, this parasitic infection is caused by thread-like filarial worms via repeated mosquito bites over months or years. It can lead to severe swelling of the affected limb and disability.
Understanding Malaria
YOU CAME HERE FOR MALARIA BUT HAVE YOU HEARD OF HER FRIENDS? ..
Mosquito-borne viruses and parasites
Mosquitoes are known to be a summertime nuisance, but they are actually much more than that. Globally, they are responsible for transmitting a wide range of harmful viruses and parasites. These pathogens may then lead to serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses, from dengue to malaria.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito-borne diseases affect hundreds of millions each year. The majority of these diseases impact populations living in tropical and subtropical regions. However, due to both changing climates and increased travel, there has been a rising number of cases in parts of North America and Europe. This has brought global attention to illnesses that were once seen as a regional issue.
