Malaria
This is one of the most popular diseases that is closely associated with mosquitoes. It poses an immediate threat to human life. A person becomes infected with malaria through the bite of an infected insect of the genus Anopheles. The disease itself is caused by Plasmodium parasites - and we are not talking about the entire genus, but only about 5 species.
Malaria manifests itself with elevated body temperature, headache and chills. Moreover, such symptoms appear quite quickly - a couple of weeks after the bite, or even earlier. However, experts say that the incubation period can stretch for several months.
Due to the rather subtle nature of the first symptoms, diagnosis is difficult. And here is the problem, since it is recommended to start therapy to achieve an effect no later than within the first 24 hours of infection. Otherwise, a serious illness may develop.
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How does dirofilariasis occur in humans?
It is generally believed that the helminth (roundworm) can enter the human body through contact with street dogs and cats. So what do mosquitoes have to do with it, you ask? Very much to do with it, because these insects first bite dogs and cats, which are often sick with dirofilariasis, and then become carriers of worm larvae from animals to humans. And sometimes, after a mosquito bite, the helminth larva can get under the skin and remain there for subsequent parasitism.
Of course, this probability is low, because dirofilariasis is mainly distributed in Africa and southeast Asia. However, in recent years, this parasite from hot countries increasingly visits temperate climates and in particular Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. A person may develop and migrate from one to several worms. Thank God that adult parasites (females) growing from larvae do not reach sexual maturity and in the vast majority of cases do not reproduce in the human body, so their number can only increase with a new mosquito bite infected with the blood of sick dogs or cats.
Yellow fever
Another problem that people may face after encountering mosquitoes is yellow fever. It is no less dangerous than malaria. Found in the tropics. In Russia, if diagnosed, it is only as imported cases.
The first symptoms of this problem may appear 3-4 days after infection. At the first stage, signs such as:
- increase in body temperature to high values;
- pain in muscles and head;
- chills;
- problems with appetite;
- nausea and vomiting.
It should be understood that after 3-4 days a person’s condition can return to normal. If the disease goes into the toxic stage, then everything starts all over again - the temperature rises, jaundice and bleeding appear. During the toxic phase of the disease, about half of the sick die literally within a couple of weeks.
There is no specific therapy for this disease, but there is a vaccine that is recommended for travelers before visiting exotic countries.
What diseases do mosquitoes not carry?
There are at least two myths:
- Insects carry AIDS. The answer to the question whether a mosquito can transmit HIV infection is negative. The pathogen is extremely unstable and dies outside the human body faster than the insect can transmit it.
- Mosquitoes carry coronavirus. This issue has been little studied. But it is already known that outside the body of the final carrier, the coronavirus quickly dies. Therefore the probability is extremely low.
At the same time, it’s still too early to relax. Insects transmit many other dangerous diseases.
Zika fever
Another infection that mosquitoes threaten humans with is Zika fever. Its distributors are insects of the genus Aedas, which bite during the daytime.
Just as with yellow fever, the symptoms of the disease are not particularly pronounced and can last from a couple of days to a week. Signs of infection look like this:
- general malaise;
- increased body temperature;
- rash;
- phenomena of conjunctivitis;
- pain in the muscles and joints.
At the same time, as noted by the WHO, out of five adults infected with this infection, four do not have any serious ailments.
One of the complications of Zika fever is the appearance of Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is characterized by partial paralysis of the lower extremities, spreading to the arms, and within a few hours. Afterwards, it can completely spread to the muscles of the body, leading, among other things, to problems with the respiratory system, as a result of which a person can simply suffocate. It also happens that paralysis lasts for life.
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Preventing mosquito-borne infections
Vaccination can protect against tularemia, yellow fever, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.
In addition, it is important to try to reduce the population of blood-sucking mosquitoes by limiting their breeding opportunities. For example, at the dacha, make sure that there are no open containers of water on the territory, and in residential buildings, drain the basements.
The third important element of prevention is to install screens on windows, as well as use repellents and other personal protective equipment.
Dirofilariasis
Another parasitic problem that mosquitoes can “reward” humans is called dirofilariasis. Mosquitoes of such genera as Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles are responsible for it.
This name hides tissue helminthiasis. That is, the problem develops in the subcutaneous tissue - the location does not matter, the problem can arise on any part of the body, as well as on the mucous membranes and conjunctiva. The pathology is characterized by a slow course and long development.
The onset of the disease can be indicated by a lump that appears on the skin - a growing larva is hidden under it. It is often attributed to a cyst or some other neoplasm. At the same time, the larvae can migrate, for example, moving 30 cm per day. And the parasitic nature of the disease itself is discovered during surgery.
As the department notes, there is no particular pain during infection - you can only feel as if something is crawling right under the skin.
Why are mosquitoes dangerous?
More than 100 species and subspecies of blood-sucking mosquitoes belonging to 8 genera live in Russia: Anopheles, Culiseta, Aedes, Culex, Coquillettidia, Orthopodomyia, Uranotaenia, Toxorhynchites.
Representatives of the genera Anopheles, Culiseta, Aedes, Culex and Coquillettidia are of epidemiological importance. Transmission of infection by mosquitoes occurs through a bite, that is, through transmission.
In our country, mosquitoes can cause infection with tularemia and, potentially, anthrax, Plasmodium malaria and arboviruses belonging to the families Togaviridae, Bunyaviridae and Flaviviridae, as well as nematodes that cause dirofilariasis.
“Diseases endemic to Russia and transmitted by mosquitoes: tularemia, dirofilariasis, West Nile fever (WNV), fevers caused by viruses of the Californian encephalitis group (Inco fever, Tyagin fever, Khatanga fever), Bataille fever, Sindbis fever, Karelian fever, fever Semliki forests,” Rospotrebnadzor reported.
Infections that are not endemic to Russia can be brought into the country by sick people, sick animals or infected vectors that can travel long distances by sea, air, rail and road transport.
Dengue disease
WHO is also adding Dengue to the list of mosquito-borne diseases. This is an infection caused by a virus of the same name. Moreover, there are 4 serotypes, which means that you can become infected four times. There is such an option as severe dengue, leading to complications and death. Dengue can cause a flu-like illness. There is no special therapy. But immunity after an illness is called lifelong.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes and Ae.albopictus species (the latter, as noted by WHO, to a lesser extent). The same mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting chicugunya. Dengue is widespread in the tropics.
Among the symptoms that can appear with it are subclinical - in this case, people do not even understand that they are sick - as well as severe flu-like manifestations. Among the main signs are:
- headache, quite severe pain;
- pain in the eyes;
- pain in muscles and joints;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- swollen glands;
- appearance of a rash.
Naturally, you need to see a doctor.
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Methods of killing mosquitoes
In order not to face the danger of diseases, to protect yourself and your loved ones, you need powerful mosquito repellers. And the conversation is not about repellents or fumigators; EcoSniper mosquito traps or mosquito killers will help here:
- EcoSniper mosquito traps do not emit odors, are non-toxic and can be used in residential areas. A device with a bright lamp attracts bloodsuckers, they fly up, but can’t get out.
- EcoSniper mosquito exterminators have a simple design, but are extremely effective. The environmentally friendly devices are also equipped with a bright lamp, imitate body heat and human breathing, but have a special energized grid. The bloodsuckers fall onto the mesh and burn.
EcoSniper mosquito killers and traps are absolutely safe for people and pets, meet sanitary safety standards and can be used to protect residential, non-residential premises, utility rooms, kitchen areas, etc. To buy high-quality EcoSniper mosquito killers, call our company. A specialist will help you choose a suitable device, taking into account the individual characteristics of the room and the owner’s requirements.
Chikugunya
Another pathology that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes is chikugunya. This is a viral infection that causes fever and severe joint pain. In addition, swelling of the joints, headaches, nausea, fatigue and the appearance of a rash are noted against the background of infection. Moreover, joint pain is considered debilitating and lasts for varying amounts of time.
There is no vaccine or specific prevention against this problem. As a rule, symptomatic therapy is used as treatment.
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites?
The greatest risk of catching the diseases described above occurs when traveling outdoors. Forests, meadows, swamps, rivers and lakes are teeming with mosquitoes. To protect yourself from bites and their consequences, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Wear thick, light-colored clothing that covers all areas of the body as much as possible. Wear a hood, head covering or anti-encephalitis suits - they have a hood with fine mesh over the face.
- Do not use strong-smelling perfumes or deodorants - mosquitoes are attracted to strong and strong odors. It would also be a good idea to take a shower or swim in a pond - in addition to the aroma of perfume, mosquitoes are guided by the smell of sweat.
- Use repellent. For example, take “Nechesun” napkins with you when going outdoors. This is a convenient, compact and effective tool.
- If you have allergies, carry antihistamines with you.
Cases of infections transmitted by mosquitoes are relatively rare. And if you follow precautions and be attentive to your body, reacting in time to the occurrence of possible symptoms, you will protect yourself 100%.
