Mosquitoes are widespread flying insects that exist all across the continents. They actually form an integral part of the ecosystem because they pollinate and serve as a food source for larger insects. In other words, mosquitoes are not just a simple annoying species.
Unfortunately, mosquitoes and humans don’t mix well. It’s prudent to have mosquito control measures in place for many reasons. Not only does a mosquito bite hurt and itch, but it can also cause some of the deadliest diseases known to man. Let’s discuss some of them.
Zika Virus
The Zika Virus is a relatively new player in the field. It is transmitted by the mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti species. Symptoms can range anywhere from simply mild to severe and are often characterized by headache, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis, rash, and Fever. The symptoms usually last between two to seven days. Although fortunately, many people with the virus can be asymptomatic. The worst part is that it can be passed on through sexual contact.
The sad part about the Zika virus is that it causes microcephaly and other congenital malformations to the fetus. In other words, the Zika virus is especially harmful to pregnant women and their babies. It can even cause preterm labor and miscarriage.
In 2016, a pandemic of the zika virus was declared by the World Health Organization. It was the Brazil outbreak that brought the virus to the forefront of medical health concerns. At least 500,000 Zika cases were recorded.
West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus was first put on paper in 1999. It’s an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes. Fortunately, most patients are asymptomatic. If they do develop symptoms, they tend to be mild. Unfortunately, older individuals are more at risk when they contract the virus.
Among the thing to watch out for this disease are swollen lymph glands, skin rash, body aches, headache, and Fever. The danger with the West Nile Virus is the fact that it can cause encephalitis.
Encephalitis refers to the inflammation of the brain. It can cause seizures, headaches, fatigue, and joint and muscle pains. The virus may also cause meningitis, the inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain. This is fatal and deadly. It can claim lives within a matter of hours.
Malaria
A disease carried by mosquitoes, Malariais a caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. It infects female Anopheles mosquitoes, which later infect humans. Malaria is a dangerous disease that can cause patients to feel very sick. They could battle high fevers and shaking chills.
Did you know that at least 290 million people are infected with Malaria every year? The worst part of it is that at least 400,000 of them do not survive. There are many symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
Unfortunately, a high rate of malaria diseases has been recorded in the African regions, which compost at least 94% of all global cases. In 2019, the World Health Organization emphatically announced that at least 50% of the world’s population was at risk of Malaria.
Dengue
Dengue is a deadly disease caused by a virus. This virus is transmitted through the bite of a female Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the very same species that can transmit Zika viruses. Unfortunately, Dengue is prevalent in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The worst part about Dengue is that it doesn’t have a cure at all. Once infected, the patient can only be healed by treating the symptoms. The symptoms include Fever, chills, joint and muscle paint, and diarrhea.
Mild or moderate Dengue can be easily managed by ensuring that the patient has ample rest and is well hydrated. However, dengue hemorrhagic fever can be deadly. Some of the symptoms are abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, and bleeding under the skin.
Not everyone can get dengue hemorrhagic Fever. However, certain groups of individuals have a higher predisposition to this phase of the disease. These include compromised immune systems, older adults, pregnant people, infants, and small children. When left untreated, Dengue can claim at least 20% of the infected cases.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a deadly infectious disease spread by Aedes Aegypti. The symptoms include Fever, chills, muscle and joint pains, diarrhea, and vomiting. What makes it precarious is that it also causes jaundice, which causes the skin and the patient’s eyes to turn yellow, thus the name.
It’s caused by a virus that thrives in the tropic and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. Just like Dengue, it has no cure. Instead, the sickness is managed by treating the symptoms.
One of the things people need to watch out for in Yellow Fever is that it causes damage to the liver and kidneys. The damage to the liver is what causes jaundice. When too many cells die, the liver and kidney eventually shut down. This causes fatality that can lead to a 20%-50% rate of death.
Many diseases that mosquitoes carry don’t have a cure, just like dengue and yellow fever. That’s why it’s better to be prudent and try to control their population. Clean your house regularly and eliminate any standing water, so they don’t have places to breed.
