What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Spread?
Mosquitoes have been called the most dangerous insect due to the diseases they are able to spread. Every year worldwide, there are more than 700,000 deaths from vector-borne diseases. These diseases have disproportionately affected populations in tropical and subtropical regions, but are a global threat. The diseases mosquitoes are responsible for spreading include:
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Schistosomiasis
- Chagas disease
- Yellow fever
- Zika virus
- Rift Valley fever
- West Nile virus
Do All Mosquitoes Transmit Disease?
There are thousands of mosquito species, but not all transmit disease. The three species of mosquitoes that are responsible for spreading diseases are Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles mosquitoes. There are multiple species within these families. Thankfully, there are many types of mosquitoes that are not responsible for transmitting disease and are primarily a nuisance pest. Here in East Tennessee, we have had reported cases of the Aedes and Culex mosquitoes.
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What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry in the U.S.?
Only about 12 of the 200 mosquitoes found in the United States are capable of transmitting diseases. The diseases that have been found in the United States include Dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and Malaria; these outbreaks occurred in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. Most cases of malaria reported occur in returned travelers from tropical regions. Most types of mosquitoes we encounter are nuisance mosquitoes that will not transmit the dangerous diseases we always hear about.
Symptoms of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Most mosquito bites from nuisance species will result in mild symptoms. So what symptoms alert you that you may be suffering from something more serious? Common symptoms of vector-borne diseases include:
- Sudden high fever
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Severe headaches
- Rash
If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to visit your medical professional immediately.
What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Spread? in Sevierville TN
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