Being bitten by a mosquito may seem like a minor annoyance, but in some cases, a mosquito bite leaves you with more than an itchy bump. Mosquitoes have the potential to cause several illnesses, some of which can be serious if you have an allergy or the disease goes untreated. Read on to learn about some of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses. 

Malaria

One of the most notorious diseases spread by mosquitoes, malaria is best known for its disproportionate impacts on African countries. Worldwide, 94% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths took place in Africa in 2022. However, malaria also impacts Southeast Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Pacific and the Americas. 

Symptoms include anemia, respiratory distress and multi-organ failure. Children, pregnant women, those with HIV/AIDS and travelers are especially susceptible to this disease. When diagnosed early, this disease is often perfectly treatable. However, the best bet is to get vaccinated if you’re traveling to a place where the disease is prevalent. 

Dengue

Dengue fever, also known as break-bone fever, can mostly be found in tropical and subtropical climates. This disease is relatively uncommon but also underreported due to its symptoms being similar to those of other illnesses. It has been found in 80 countries around the world, with an increasing number of cases being seen as temperatures rise worldwide.

Most people who get dengue from mosquitoes are asymptomatic. Those with symptoms most commonly experience a high fever, headache, body aches, rashes and nausea. Fortunately, even those with symptoms typically recover within 2 weeks, with a limited number needing to be hospitalized. 

Zika Virus

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and then found sporadically in humans in the 1960s to 1980s in Africa and Asia. Since 2007, outbreaks have happened in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. In 2016, WHO declared Zika virus an international public health emergency due to its effects on children in the womb and its prevalence at the time. Since 2017, cases have been decreasing.

Symptoms don’t appear often in healthy people who are not pregnant, but when they do, they include rash, fever, muscle and joint pain and headache. In rare cases, it can also cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis. 

Prevention

The best way to avoid mosquito-borne illness is to prevent being bitten, and if traveling, to get vaccinated. Here are a few tips for preventing mosquito bites:

• Wear light-colored clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.
• Use window screens, and close windows and doors without screens, to keep mosquitoes out.
• Apply insect repellent to your skin or clothing that contains DEET or a similar chemical.
• If you’re in an area where these diseases are prevalent, use mosquito screens if sleeping during the day or early evening. 

As with any illness, early detection and treatment can make all the difference. If you believe you have a mosquito borne illness, look into getting treated right away. Take steps to prevent mosquitoes around your house, like removing standing water and keeping your grass short. If you have mosquito problems at your home, the Omaha mosquito control experts at Pro-Staff can help. Call us at 515-279-7378 or contact us online for a free inspection.