The 6 most common mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito bites are common in hot weather and the red, itchy bumps they leave behind can be irritating. In some parts of the world, mosquitoes may also carry diseases. If you live in or are traveling to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are common, you need to take extra care. 

Let’s learn about 6 of the most common mosquito-borne diseases. 

Let’s learn about 6 of the most common mosquito-borne diseases. 

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that can infect mosquitoes. Humans can get malaria if bitten by an infected mosquito. Malaria is not contagious between people and is not sexually transmitted. It is most common in warm countries near the equator. Always seek medical advice if you feel sick after getting a mosquito bite. 

• Fever and flu-like symptoms
• Chills
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Fatigue
• (Maybe) Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If left untreated, complications can include:

• Kidney failure
• Seizures
• Mental confusion
• Coma 1

Dengue 2 or Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is present in 141 countries and infections have increased 30-fold in the past 50 years. 3 Symptoms can be mild and typically last between 2-7 days but, in very severe cases, can cause internal bleeding, shock, and death. 

• High fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rash

Zika is spread in the bites of infected mosquitoes. Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms. However, people infected during pregnancy may bear children with serious health conditions that can cause life-long disability. If symptoms do develop, they usually last between 2-7 days. 

• Fever
• Rash
• Conjunctivitis
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches 4

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. 5 The virus usually spreads through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Humans can get infected but don’t carry enough of the virus to pass it on to mosquitoes. However, people who handle live or dead birds may also be at risk, so always wear protective gear.

Most people who contract the virus do not develop symptoms but about 1 out of 150 infected people develop serious symptoms which can cause death. 

About 1 in 5 infected people may experience symptoms like:

• Fever
• Head, body aches, and joint pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Rash
• Weakness and fatigue

In rare cases, West Nile may affect the central nervous system and cause more severe symptoms: 6

• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Stupor
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Muscle weakness
• Vision loss
• Numbness
• Paralysis

Chikungunya is a virus primarily spread through mosquito bites. It can also spread through blood and, in rare cases, from mother to baby during pregnancy. Its symptoms are similar to those of Dengue or Zika, making it difficult to distinguish between them. However, Chikungunya symptoms are usually mild, and most patients recover within a week.

• Fever
• Joint pain which can be severe
• Headache and muscle pain
• Joint swelling
• Rash 7

Yellow fever is a virus spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and is most common in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. A vaccine is available for at-risk travelers. 8 It does not spread from person to person. It gets its name from the yellowed eyes and skin that can occur in infected people. Symptoms typically improve after 5 days.

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Vomiting 

Severe symptoms

• Jaundice (yellowed eyes and skin)
• Bleeding from mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach 9

When it comes to mosquito-borne diseases, prevention really is the best cure. Taking a few simple measures can help you avoid mosquito bites altogether and lower your risk of disease. Be aware of outbreaks and risk factors, especially when traveling to tropical and subtropical regions favored by mosquitoes.

Always remember to:

• Get relevant vaccines before you travel
• Use insect repellent
• Wear loose clothing that covers your skin
• Treat gear and clothing with permethrin
• Keep windows and doors covered with mosquito screens
• Empty any containers that hold water (e.g. buckets, vases) both indoors and outdoors 10

Simple preventative measures will help lower your risk of disease and give you peace of mind. If you feel any symptoms after getting a mosquito bite, especially if you are in a risk area, seek medical attention immediately. 

Take care of yourself,

Ada