What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Spread?
When you think about mosquitoes, the dangerous diseases they spread likely comes to mind. Each year, there are more than 700,000 deaths from vector-borne diseases. Although tropical and subtropical regions are disproportionately affected by these diseases, they are still a threat worldwide. The diseases that have been liked back to mosquitoes include:
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Schistosomiasis
- Chagas disease
- Yellow fever
- Zika virus
- Rift Valley fever
- West Nile virus
Do All Mosquitoes Transmit Disease?
Not all species of mosquitoes can transmit disease. The three species of mosquitoes that are responsible for spreading diseases are Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles mosquitoes. There are multiple species within these families. Thankfully, there are many types of mosquitoes that are not responsible for transmitting disease and are primarily nuisance pests. Here in Vermont, we have had reported cases of the Aedes family of mosquitoes, specifically the Asian tiger mosquito.
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What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry in Vermont?
In the United States, there are more than 200 types of mosquitoes. Out of those, there are approximately 12 that are capable of transmitting disease. In our nation, we have had reported cases of Dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and Malaria; these outbreaks occurred in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. Most cases of malaria reported occur in returned travelers from tropical regions. Most types of mosquitoes we encounter are nuisance mosquitoes that are incapable of transmitting the diseases that make people sick.
What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but deadly mosquito-borne illness. As of October, 16 human cases of this disease have been reported this year – two of which occurred in Vermont. These were the first human EEE cases in Vermont since 2012.
People can only be infected by bites from carrier mosquitoes. You cannot catch EEE from an infected person or any other animal. This is why mosquito control is such an important part of containing the virus.
EEE symptoms include:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, etc)
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Coma
While it is important to take precautions for your health, it’s equally important not to panic. EEE has a 33% mortality rate, but there is only a 5% chance of becoming infected if bitten by a carrier mosquito. Since there is no human vaccine or antiviral treatment for EEE, prevention is the most important measure you can take.
If you believe you could have EEE, seek prompt medical attention. Treatment is more effective the earlier it can begin.
Am I Sick From Mosquitoes?
If you are bitten by a mosquito in Vermont, you most likely will get few symptoms and recover and just a few days. So what symptoms alert you that you may be suffering from something more serious? If you notice any of the following symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, it’s time to seek professional medical help:
- Sudden high fever
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Severe headaches
- Rash
What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Spread in Vermont?
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