When it comes to mosquito-borne illnesses, malaria and dengue fever are often the first to come to mind. These diseases are indeed among the most well-known and devastating. However, there are several other deadly diseases spread by mosquitoes that pose significant health threats.

The IS Global Barcelona Institute for Global Health highlights that mosquitoes are among the deadliest animals on the planet, responsible for up to 1 million human deaths annually. These tiny insects transmit viruses and parasites that cause severe diseases.

"What makes mosquitoes so dangerous is their ability to transmit viruses or other parasites that lead to devastating diseases. Malaria alone, spread by the Anopheles mosquito, kills 600,000 people annually (mainly children) and incapacitates another 200 million. Dengue causes 100 to 400 million cases each year worldwide, while yellow fever has a high mortality rate, and Japanese encephalitis results in over 10,000 deaths per year, mostly in Asia. The Zika virus is also notable for its severe and long-term neurological effects in babies born to infected mothers," the institute emphasized.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, six other deadly diseases transmitted by mosquitoes also pose significant public health threats.

Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Zika Virus

Primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, the Zika virus has gained global attention due to its association with severe birth defects, such as microcephaly, in babies born to infected mothers. It can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults.

 West Nile Virus (WNV)

Transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, West Nile Virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe neurological diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis. It primarily affects birds but can be transmitted to humans and horses.

 Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is closely related to Western Equine Encephalitis and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis viruses. Horses, other equines, and some birds can develop severe illness, which can be fatal. EEE is very rare in humans and is not passed from person to person. There is no specific treatment for EEE; care is based on treating symptoms. There is no vaccine for humans, but there is one for horses.

 St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)

St. Louis Encephalitis is a viral illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds. The SLE virus grows in both the infected mosquito and bird but does not make either sick. Only infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans. SLE is not transmissible from person to person, and pets and livestock do not get sick from SLE infection. Mosquitoes that spread SLE are most active from dusk to dawn.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus and typically occurs in tropical and subtropical regions. Most cases in the United States are among travelers and immigrants returning from areas with local transmission. The virus is spread by mosquitoes that are most active during daylight hours but can also be active at night. The same mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya can also spread the Zika and dengue viruses. Chikungunya is not spread from person to person, and pets and livestock do not get sick from it. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for chikungunya.

The Importance of Prevention and Awareness

While the threat posed by mosquitoes may seem overwhelming, preventive measures can make a significant difference. Mosquito control, the use of insect repellents, and community education are critical to reducing the spread of these diseases and protecting public health globally. Awareness and proactive measures remain essential in combating these often-hidden but deadly threats posed by mosquitoes.

Source by www.ghanaweb.com