World Malaria Day: 6 Most Dangerous Diseases Transmitted By Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are considered as one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet because they tend to spread many deadly diseases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control report that the insects kill more than one million people in a year just through the transmission of malaria. There are a number of people who fall sick and are killed by other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever and West Nile virus.

On World Malaria Day 2018, lets read about these are some of the most prevalent diseases spread around the world by mosquito bites: 

Also read: Here's How Eating Habits Can Help Manage Malaria Better: All About Malaria And Preventive Tips​

Zika Virus: The Zika virus is typically transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are aggressive and bite usually during the day and officials are warning people of the need to be vigilant, cover up and apply repellent regularly. There is no vaccine, treatment or cure for the disease and travelers to infected areas are being urged to prevent mosquito bites as the best and only protection against the disease. 

West Nile virus: A viral infection carried in the blood of birds. The West Nile virus multiplies in the human blood stream and is carried to the brain, where it begins to affect the central nervous system and causes inflammation of brain tissue, known as encephalitis. If this happens, a person will develop high fever and headaches. There is no specific treatment of West Nile virus. 

Also read: 5 Reasons Why A Mosquito Bites You And Not Others

Dengue fever: This disease is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. A mosquito is able to transmit dengue about a week after biting an infected person. An infected person begins to show symptoms similar to other infections: high fever, headaches, back and joint pain, rashes and eye pain. If the fever lasts up to a week and is followed by bruising and bleeding, those are symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Like most viruses, there is no specific treatment. Doctors recommend acetaminophen, plenty of fluids and rest for dengue and hospitalization for hemorrhagic fever. 

Malaria: Caused by parasites, primarily Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax. Female Anopheles mosquitoes pick up the parasites by feeding on infected humans. Quinine and other anti-malarial drugs cure patients by attacking the parasites in the blood. 

Yellow fever: Like dengue, it is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito. The virus incubates in the body for three to six days before an infected person begins to show the common infection symptoms of fever, chills, headache and nausea. There may be a short remission before the disease returns with much more serious symptoms such as nosebleeds, bloody vomit and abdominal pain. While there is no treatment for yellow fever, it is possible to be vaccinated against infection for those living in or traveling to climates where the disease is prevalent. 

Chikungunya: Chikungunya fever is caused by a virus that is spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Like Dengue, it is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The symptoms can include sudden fever, joint pain with or without swelling, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain and a rash. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Chikungunya. Management of the disease includes rest, fluids and medications to relieve the symptoms of fever and pain, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and paracetamol.

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