5 Common Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

Any disease spread by a bite of an infected mosquito is known as a Mosquito-Borne Disease. According to the World Health Organisation, such diseases are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. Various illnesses can be inflicted on a person when mosquitoes bite them.

A mosquito bite can cause a mild or persisting illness in most cases. However, it can infect over 500 million people and generate approximately 1 million deaths annually. Diseases caused by mosquitoes are generally Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, etc. Continue reading the article to learn about the symptoms and treatment methods of the diseases.

Team Digit

What are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?
Causes of Diseases
List of Diseases
Signs and Symptoms
Associated Risk Factors
Diagnostic Tests
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance ?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

During blood meals, mosquitoes also ingest these viruses or parasites that live within the blood. Such pathogens are transferable to another person when the mosquito bites in the form of saliva.

Whenever any disease spreads from a mosquito to a human (or other animal), it is called a “mosquito-borne disease.” However, mosquitoes may not be affected, while humans suffer extremely from these mosquito-borne diseases.

What are the Causes of Mosquitoes Diseases?

Viruses, bacteria, or parasites are the major cause of mosquito-borne illnesses. These small bugs thrive and breed fast in warm, damp places with still water. Bad sanitation, poor drainage, and city growth help mosquitoes spread. Human actions, like cutting down forests and changing the climate, also boost mosquito numbers.

The illnesses they spread, such as malaria, dengue, and Zika, create big health problems in hot and humid areas. We need good control methods to teach people about the risks of stopping these mosquito-spread diseases.

What Are the Prominent Mosquito-borne Diseases?

These diseases can vary in severity and impact, but they pose significant health risks. Following is a list of 5 diseases caused by mosquitoes that can cause death:

1. Dengue

Female mosquitoes from the species Aedes aegypti primarily spread the dengue virus. The symptoms may take 3 to 14 days to appear, and recovery takes 2 to 7 days. However, some people can also develop a severe version of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever. In such a case, the fever may prevail longer and require hospitalisation.

Symptoms

High fever and vomiting
Joint and bone pain, muscle pain and headache
Skin rashes
Bleeding from nose and underneath the skin (in dengue hemorrhagic fever)

Treatment

You can treat dengue by increasing fluid intake, staying hydrated, and thorough medication. Doctors treat these illnesses by easing symptoms. They give pain drugs like acetaminophen, make sure patients drink enough, and watch for dangerous problems.

2. Malaria

Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases caused by mosquitoes developed from Plasmodium vivax. Anopheles mosquitoes spread this disease after being infected by the parasite Plasmodium. This parasite grows cumulatively in your liver and affects your red blood cells. Fever can rise to 105 degrees Fahrenheit due to malaria.

Symptoms

High fever, sweat and chills
Headache and muscle pain
Abdominal pain and diarrhoea
Vomiting
Nausea

Treatment

You can treat malaria with anti-malarial drugs and other medicines for fever. Doctors use antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), or other medications specific to the region to treat the infection.

3. Chikungunya

Another mosquito-borne disease is chikungunya, spreading through Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. Mostly it starts healing within a week, but sometimes the symptoms may last longer. It also sometimes gets misdiagnosed for having similar symptoms of dengue and Zika.

Symptoms

Fever and tiredness
Joint swelling and pain
Headache
Muscle pain
Body rashes

Treatment

You must drink a lot of water and stay hydrated to treat chikungunya. Also, you require a thorough diagnosis to recognise the misleading symptoms. Doctors use antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), or other medications.

4. Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis is another disease caused by mosquito bites. Culex mosquito carries the JE virus that develops in marshes, stagnant water around plants, and flooded paddy fields. This virus typically attacks the human brain and spinal cord, and the symptoms are mild and can cause severe neurological damage or death.

Symptoms

Headache
Fever and trembling
Episodic paralysis and neck stiffness
Vomiting
Nausea
Confusion

Treatment

There is no such treatment for Japanese Encephalitis. You can only prevent this disease by vaccination and protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Treatment can only mitigate the symptoms if you get infected by this disease.

5. Zika

Zika is another type of virus that causes diseases spread by mosquitoes. The Aedes albopictus species of mosquito usually transmit this virus. The symptoms of Zika occur from 2 to 14 days after the mosquito bite and last for nearly a week. Similar to dengue and chikungunya, no targeted treatment exists.

Symptoms

Mild fever and fatigue
Joint and muscle pain, especially in the arms or feet
Headache and eye pain
Conjunctivitis
Abdominal pain
Rashes

Treatment

Zika virus has no treatment or vaccination. However, you can treat the symptoms, increase fluid intake, avoid dehydration, and take rest. Doctors provide care to help patients, which includes rest, fluids, and pain management.

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

Mosquito-borne illnesses can manifest in many ways, from minor to major symptoms. You need to spot these signs to treat these diseases well and prevent their worsening.

High Temperature: High fever is a common sign of mosquito-borne infections like malaria, often accompanied by chills. Spiking high temperatures mark this condition as an intermittent or continuous fever.
Severe Ache in the Head: Headaches are usually felt behind the eyes and are common in diseases such as dengue fever. This ache can become extremely painful and may be coupled with signs such as fever and skin rash.
Pain in Muscles and Joints: In conditions like dengue and chikungunya, muscle and joint pain can be excruciating. It might last for months or even weeks. This condition indicates a major situation like joint pain.
Nausea That Causes Vomiting: Conditions such as dengue or the Zika virus cause feeling sick, followed by vomiting; hence, dehydration occurs. This symptom commonly comes along with general malaise and fever.
A Skin Disease Characterised by Eruptions of reddisAntance, an itchy skin rash can develop either dengue or Zika virus infection. The rashes may appear as spots or generalised rashes in various body areas.
Yellowing of the Skin due to Liver Involvement: As a result, yellow skin (jaundice) is observed in disease entities like yellow fever that involve the liver. If accompanied by abdominal pain and nausea, this condition indicates a serious situation.

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

Mosquito-borne illnesses represent significant health risks due to the peculiarities of certain regions and popuTo avoid getting infected with these ailments; it is necessary to consider all major risk factors.

Risk	Description
Low Immunity	The more seriously ill are exposed to very bad effects of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes due to their weak immune systems. These include patients with chronic, older people, and those on immunosuppressive therapy.
Weather Conditions	Warm and moist environments provide suitable surroundings for mosquito breeding, which increases the chance of spreading diseases. Rains that come at specific times of the year also breed more mosquitoes.
Water	Still water provides an environment where mosquito-borne diseases thrive. Poorly drained areas and water-logged places make good habitats for mosquito larvae growth.
Poor Sanitation	Poor sanitation practices contribute to increased breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which leads to stagnation in standing water; hence, they multiply rapidly due to waste accumulation.
Lack of Protective Measures	Failure to use mosquito repellents, failure to wear protective clothing, or failure to install bed nets puts somebody at a bigger risk for mosquito bites. Deficient precautions escalate vulnerability among individuals.
Health Status	Those people with weakened immunity, like the aged or those who have chronic diseases, will encounter severe disease. It is also dangerous for pregnant women and children.
Travel and Migration	Visiting or moving from places with a high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases increases the risk of infection. People moving in with them can also transport diseases to new areas.

How is Mosquitoes Disease Diagnosed?

Mosquito-borne diseases are diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing severe complications. Below are ten diagnostic tests commonly used to identify these diseases.

Diagnostic Test	Description
Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)	Malaria, dengue, or chikungunya can be quickly diagnosed by detecting specific antigens in the blood. It’s simple and fast.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)	Diseases such as Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus are identified through antibodies or antigens in the bloodstream.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)	Used to diagnose diseases like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya by detecting viral or parasitic DNA/RNA from the patient’s blood samples.
IgM and IgG Antibody Tests	Useful for diagnosing dengue, chikungunya, and Zika through measuring the immune response to recent or past infections.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)	Measure levels of enzymes in the blood known to cause liver damage when present at high levels. Such diseases include yellow fever and dengue fever.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)	It is also helpful in assessing overall health status and identifying abnormalities, such as low platelet count, that are common in people.
Lumbar Puncture	Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are taken to test for neurological complications associated with conditions like Japanese encephalitis
Virus Isolation	Confirm whether somebody has an infection like Zika or West Nile virus by growing it from their blood samples in a laboratory setting.
Ultrasound	High enzyme levels in the blood may indicate organ damage or fluid accumulation in severe cases of dengue fever and yellow fever in dengue-infected people.

What Are the Preventive Measures Required to Safeguard from Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

You can prevent mosquito-borne diseases through several measures. Below are some of those measures -

Dengue and malaria tend to spread during the monsoon in tropical regions. Full-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellents may help prevent mosquito bites.
Stagnant dirty water is an ideal place for mosquito breeding. So do not let contaminated water stand around your habitat.
You must prevent mosquitoes from entering your house.
Keep your surroundings clean and spray pesticides regularly.
Netting over your bed before going to sleep helps prevent mosquito bites.
Avoid staying outside in dusk and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Opt for a healthy and balanced diet to increase your immunity

These are the most common diseases caused by mosquitoes in India and Southeast Asia. The dengue epidemic has become more frequent since the 90s. Whereas India accounts for 77% of total malaria cases in Southeast Asia.

The primary reason for such epidemics is a lack of knowledge and awareness. However, you can prevent such epidemics by taking the responsibility and following simple measures mentioned above.

Does Health Insurance Cover Disease Caused by Mosquitoes?

Different health insurance policies accommodate diseases caused by mosquitoes, depending on the kind of coverage, geographical location, and specific disease in question. In general terms, most comprehensive health insurance plans include a section that deals with treatment for insect-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, and Zika, which are considered medical conditions requiring immediate attention.

However, the degree of coverage may vary depending on policy details; some may offer more extensive hospitalisation benefits while having reduced payments for outpatient services or preventive services.

Mosquito-borne diseases are very important for public health protection. Early identification of symptoms, proper therapy-seeking behavior, and effective ways of preventing complications can minimise the chances for severe outcomes. Progressing research concerning diagnosis and treatment options provides hope for better management or even eradicating mosquito-associated diseases.

FAQs on the Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

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Is dengue a seasonal disease in India?

Yes, dengue is a seasonal disease as it predominantly occurs during the monsoon in India.

Can mosquitoes cause brain fever?

Yes, mosquitoes spread Japanese Encephalitis, which attacks the central nervous system. It causes brain diseases like headache, dizziness and confusion.

What are the most common mosquito-borne diseases?

Common mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, yellow fever, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis, filariasis, Rift Valley fever, and La Crosse encephalitis.

How do mosquitoes transmit diseases?

Mosquitoes transmit diseases by biting humans and injecting saliva-containing pathogens. These pathogens can be viruses, bacteria, or parasites that enter the bloodstream and cause infection.

What are the primary symptoms of malaria?

Malaria symptoms typically include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea. Severe cases may involve complications like anaemia, cerebral malaria, and organ failure.

Can dengue fever be fatal?

Yes, dengue fever can be fatal if it progresses to severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to bleeding, plasma leakage, and shock.

Is there a vaccine for the Zika virus?

Currently, there is no vaccine available for the Zika virus. Preventive measures focus on mosquito control and avoiding travel to areas with active Zika outbreaks, especially for pregnant women.

What preventive measures can reduce mosquito-borne diseases?

Preventive measures include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, installing window screens, eliminating standing water, and using mosquito nets. Vaccination is available for some diseases like yellow fever.

How is chikungunya treated?

Chikungunya treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with pain relievers, fluids, and rest. There is no specific antiviral treatment, and management aims to reduce joint pain and support recovery.

What role does climate change play in mosquito-borne diseases?

Climate change affects mosquito-borne diseases by altering mosquito habitats, increasing breeding sites, and extending the range of mosquitoes into new areas, leading to higher risks and spreading diseases.

How effective are insect repellents?

When used as directed, insect repellents containing DEET and picaridin effectively prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Are there treatments for filariasis?

Yes, filariasis can be treated with antiparasitic medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and ivermectin. Treatment helps reduce the parasite load and manage symptoms, though chronic cases may require ongoing care.

How is yellow fever managed in the hospital?

Hospital management of yellow fever involves supportive care, including intravenous fluids, electrolyte balance, and monitoring for complications like liver failure and bleeding. There is no specific antiviral treatment.

What is the incubation period for mosquito-borne diseases?

The incubation period varies by disease. For malaria, it’s typically 7-30 days; for dengue and chikungunya, it's 4-7 days; for Zika, it's 3-14 days; and for yellow fever, it's 3-6 days.

5 Common Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

Table of Contents

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

What are the Causes of Mosquitoes Diseases?

What Are the Prominent Mosquito-borne Diseases?

1. Dengue

Symptoms

Treatment

2. Malaria

Symptoms

Treatment

3. Chikungunya

Symptoms

Treatment

4. Japanese Encephalitis

Symptoms

Treatment

5. Zika

Symptoms

Treatment

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

How is Mosquitoes Disease Diagnosed?

What Are the Preventive Measures Required to Safeguard from Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

Does Health Insurance Cover Disease Caused by Mosquitoes?

FAQs on the Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes

Is dengue a seasonal disease in India?

Can mosquitoes cause brain fever?

What are the most common mosquito-borne diseases?

How do mosquitoes transmit diseases?

What are the primary symptoms of malaria?

Can dengue fever be fatal?

Is there a vaccine for the Zika virus?

What preventive measures can reduce mosquito-borne diseases?

How is chikungunya treated?

What role does climate change play in mosquito-borne diseases?

How effective are insect repellents?

Are there treatments for filariasis?

How is yellow fever managed in the hospital?

What is the incubation period for mosquito-borne diseases?

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