What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Spread?
Mosquitoes are vectors for a number of serious illnesses that cause over 700,000 deaths annually. These vector-borne diseases are particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, posing a worldwide health risk. Among the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, the most prevalent include:
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Schistosomiasis
- Chagas disease
- Yellow fever
- Zika virus
- Rift Valley fever
- West Nile virus
- Chikungunya
In the United States alone, out of over 200 mosquito species, approximately 12 are known to spread diseases. Notable illnesses present in the country include Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika virus, and Malaria, with cases identified in locations like Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. The majority of malaria cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in individuals returning from travels to affected regions. Locally, most mosquitoes encountered are likely to be non-disease-carrying, posing more of an annoyance than a health threat.
Which Mosquitoes Can Transmit Disease?
Diseases are predominantly spread by three types of mosquitoes: Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles. Within these groups, there are several species responsible for disease transmission. However, it’s worth noting that not all mosquito species carry diseases; many are simply bothersome pests without health implications. In Flushing NY, instances of mosquito-related illnesses are few and far between.
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What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but deadly disease transferred by bites from infected mosquitoes. As of October, 16 human cases of this disease have been reported in the US this year. New York State has had one case, which was fatal. This was the state’s first human case since 2015.
EEE is rare – with a 5% chance of infection after being bitten by a carrier mosquito – but very deadly – with a 33% mortality rate. You cannot catch EEE from an infected person; it is only transferred from person to person via mosquito bites. This makes mosquito control absolutely essential to keeping this virus under control.
Symptoms of EEE include:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, etc)
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Coma
While EEE should certainly be taken seriously, it’s also important not to panic. If you think you may have contracted EEE, get medical attention immediately. There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment, but supportive care is more effective the earlier it begins.
Symptoms of Mosquito-Borne Disease
While bites from non-harmful mosquitoes typically result in minor discomfort, certain symptoms can signal a more grave vector-borne disease. These symptoms encompass:
- Sudden high fever
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Severe headaches
- Rash
Experiencing these symptoms following a mosquito bite should prompt an immediate visit to the nearest medical facility for evaluation and treatment.