Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips for a Healthier Life

Mosquitoes may seem small, but they are some of the leading carriers of diseases in the world. They leave small, itchy bites and, in some cases, deadly illnesses. This is more common in countries with tropical climates, such as India.

 

In this article, we will explore the types of mosquitoes, common mosquito-borne diseases, symptoms, and prevention of bites.

Types of Mosquitoes

Mosquitos are a member of the fly family. Male and female mosquitoes feed on water and plant nectar. However, female mosquitoes also need blood to be able to reproduce. Thus, male mosquitoes don’t bite humans, but female ones do.

 

India has over 400 mosquito species and subspecies, including Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Mansonia, and more. Diseases caused by mosquitoes can be deadly, such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, West Nile virus, filariasis, and Japanese B encephalitis.

Different Types of Mosquitoes and Diseases They Spread

It is important to understand the types of mosquitoes and diseases they carry to avoid them. Some common species in India include:

 

1. Anopheles

 

Also called marsh mosquitoes, this species is the primary vector of malaria, especially in rural India. It causes several hundred thousand deaths worldwide.

 

2. Aedes

 

Widely distributed across India, this species is invasive. Their bites can transmit dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

 

3. Culex

 

The Culex mosquitos typically bite at night. They breed in areas with polluted and stagnant water, such as drains or ponds, and transmit diseases like West Nile virus, Japanese B encephalitis, or filariasis.

Types of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes are known carriers of several diseases, including:

1. Malaria

 

A parasite causes malaria, which spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It causes extremely high fevers, shaking, and chills. Some other symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and more. It is most common in tropical and subtropical climates, like in India.

Malaria is a deadly and possibly fatal disease that affects nearly 290 million people annually. There are also about 400,000 people who die of the disease.

 

2. Dengue

 

Another mosquito-borne disease, dengue fever, causes high fevers, chills, flu-like symptoms, nausea, headache, pain behind the eyes, and more. While mild versions of this illness cause high fevers and flu-like symptoms, severe cases can be fatal.

 

Dengue hemorrhagic fever, a severe variation of the disease, can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, severe bleeding, and death. It is most common in tropical climates like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

 

3. Chikungunya

 

Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted in humans through mosquito bites. It causes severe joint and muscle pain, high fevers, headaches, rashes, and nausea. Symptoms can occur within one week of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

 

This disease is most commonly found in warmer regions like Africa and Asia. After being infected by the virus, symptoms like joint pain sometimes last several months or years.

 

4. Zika Virus

 

Zika virus, also transmitted through mosquito bites, can cause symptoms such as a fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. It is hazardous for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects in the child.

 

This virus has been found in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

 

5. Japanese B Encephalitis

 

This mosquito-borne disease is the primary cause of encephalitis in Asia. Encephalitis is a severe illness that causes inflammation in the brain. This can lead to fevers, headaches, confusion, seizures, and death.

 

Outbreaks of this virus were found in Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. However, these have now largely been contained using vaccinations. Outbreaks can also be seen in India.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

Diseases caused by mosquitoes vary in severity. However, many can have serious complications and side effects. Thus, prevention is crucial when dealing with mosquito diseases. Here are some ways to reduce the chances of getting bitten:

 

1. Prevent Stagnant Water

 

Mosquitoes usually breed in still water. Avoid having stagnant water inside or near the home. This can include empty flower pots, birdbaths, pools, water coolers, etc. Changing the water regularly or removing items that retain still water can help prevent mosquitoes from breeding near the home.

 

2. Trimming Grass and Installing Screens

 

It is important to keep grass and bushes trimmed. Installing screens in the windows and doors of buildings can prevent mosquitoes from entering houses, schools, or other places.

 

3. Long Sleeve Clothing and Mosquito Repellent

 

When travelling outdoors during mosquito season, wearing long-sleeved clothing, full-length pants, and mosquito repellants can prevent bites.

 

In India, the monsoons can create breeding grounds and ideal conditions for mosquitoes. The diseases they spread can range from mild to severe, with some even being fatal. Healthcare professionals usually diagnose mosquito-borne diseases using blood tests.

 

If there are symptoms such as high fevers, rashes, joint pain, etc., it’s important to consult a medical professional and book a blood test with Dr Lal Pathlabs for early diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs

1. How do to detect mosquito-borne diseases?

Blood tests are used to diagnose mosquito-borne diseases.

2. How are mosquito-borne diseases spread?

Infected mosquitos transmit diseases through their saliva when they bite a human or animal.