Beyond the Bite: Understanding Mosquito Diseases

Mosquitos are a common nuisance pest, they can also carry multiple mosquito diseases. There are over 400 million cases of mosquito-borne disease annually. Learn about common diseases that people throughout the world experience, especially as we head into the summer season!

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever can be transmitted by three different mosquito species:

  • Aedes Aegypti mosquito: Mostly in the bottom half of the U.S in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions
  • Haemagogus mosquito: Found in Southern U.S, and Central and South America in jungle areas
  • Sabethes mosquito: Found in Central and South America

Symptoms that come from this mosquito disease are fever, muscle pain, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases will lead to liver damage and hemorrhage.  

Malaria

Malaria disease is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes that can be found in Eastern North America, and are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. They will be found in environments of fresh or saltwater marshes, mangrove swamps, edges of streams or rivers, and small temporary rain pools. Symptoms from this mosquito disease can include fevers, chills, flu-like illness, and in severe cases, organ failure. 

Zika Virus Disease

The Zika Virus Disease is transmitted by Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes that are commonly found in Europe, America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. With this disease, it could have multiple effects depending on the person who contracts the disease. 

  • Pregnant women – If this disease is contracted while pregnant it could cause birth defects to the infant. It could cause microcephaly, which is when the head is smaller than expected due to abnormal brain development, as well as other neurological abnormalities. 
  • Any Adult – Any other adult will usually have mild symptoms that include fevers, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

West Nile Virus

One of the most common mosquito diseases is the West Nile Virus, which can be transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. They are found in the Southern U.S., throughout Florida, Africa, Asia, and Europe in tropical environments. With this virus, most people won’t experience symptoms but if they do it includes fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, In severe cases, liver damage or hemorrhage. 

Keep yourself safe and avoid the experience of any mosquito diseases. Learn about our effective mosquito service either online or by calling our office at (630) 451-8101 and get your first service scheduled with a discount!