10 deadly diseases related to mosquitoes

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1.5 million people worldwide die each year from mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are not only annoying, they are also among the most dangerous creatures in the world.

1. Dengue fever

Dengue fever is one of the most dangerous diseases caused by mosquitoes. It mainly affects people living in tropical and subtropical climates.

Dengue fever causes severe pain, like a broken bone. It is the world’s fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease, with 40% of the world’s population at risk. Between 50 and 100 million people get dengue each year. Although it is not usually fatal, dengue is a leading cause of death among children in some Latin American and Asian countries.

2. West Nile virus infection

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is common in animals and birds, but has recently been reported to be found in human cells. It is spread through saliva and from mother to child through breastfeeding.

These viruses affect the body's blood circulation and damage normally functioning brain tissue. In severe cases, the disease can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

3. Malaria

Malaria is caused by female Anopheles mosquitoes transmitting the Plasmodium parasite in their bites, which then causes high fever, chills, and severe flu-like symptoms that can be fatal if left untreated.

The disease is preventable with bed nets, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and treatable, but it still kills many people.

4. Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a common disease in Africa and South America. It is a form of hemorrhagic fever with no cure. After a period of severe illness, most patients recover, but about 15% develop toxic complications, which begin with internal bleeding and organ failure. About half of patients with complications die.

Yellow fever cases have increased since the 1980s due to declining human immunity, deforestation, climate change, increased air travel, and higher infection rates in cities due to a species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti.

5. Rift Valley fever

Rift Valley fever mainly affects animals, but mosquitoes can transmit it to humans, and it has some pretty gruesome symptoms.

Some people don’t have symptoms. But those who do have symptoms will initially feel like they have the flu, followed by some developing a stiff neck and sensitivity to light. A small number (less than 2%) may develop eye damage that can cause blindness, while others (also less than 2%) may develop a potentially fatal form of brain disease or hemorrhagic fever.

According to reports from 1910-2000, Rift Valley fever became an epidemic in many parts of the world especially countries like West Africa, Saudi Arabia and many Asian countries.

6. Murray Valley encephalitis

Murray Valley encephalitis is a deadly mosquito-borne disease. Although rare, it can occur at any time when it damages brain tissue, with symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, seizures, and drowsiness.

Australia currently has the highest rate of Murray Valley Encephalitis infection in the world.

7. Chikungunya

Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the chikungunya virus. The disease has been around for centuries, but was first reported in the Americas in late 2013.

Common symptoms of this disease include joint pain, headache, vomiting, back pain, and skin rash.

8. Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a serious infection of the brain that is transmitted through mosquito bites. Japanese encephalitis is common in Asia, New Guinea and northern Queensland. Some of the more serious symptoms of the disease include high temperature, seizures, coma and severe headache.

Although not transmitted between people, Japanese encephalitis can be transmitted from animals to humans by mosquitoes. The disease kills about 10,000 people each year, mostly children under the age of 5. Although there is no treatment, Japanese encephalitis has an effective vaccine.

9. Dirofilaria immitis

Dirofilaria immitis is one of the serious life-threatening diseases caused by roundworms and mosquitoes. Mosquito bites containing the larvae of this roundworm are the real reason for the spread of this disease.

You should avoid keeping pets such as dogs, cats and parrots at home because mosquitoes rely on these animals for food. The disease is common in Canada and the United States.

10. Weak equine encephalitis (WEE)

This disease was first discovered in 1930 in Canada and Mexico, caused by Culex tarsalis. Vaccines are now available to treat patients with this disease.

More than a thousand deaths are reported each year from WEE. It is common in humans and horses. But either horse or human can become an epidemic.

According to Health and Life