Do not underestimate bites from mosquitoes that land on your skin or your family’s. Mosquito bites do more than cause itchy bumps; they can also carry dangerous viruses and parasites. If your immune system is not at its best, you can be more vulnerable to diseases spread by mosquito bites.

Types of Diseases Spread by Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes are small insects often found indoors. They may linger near the bathrooms, among hanging clothes, and around kitchen sinks where you wash your plates. Despite their small size, mosquitoes are vectors of disease that deserve careful attention.

Some illnesses that mosquitoes can transmit include:

1. Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, carried by Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. In mild cases, symptoms of dengue fever can resemble the flu. However, the disease can progress to cause severe hemorrhage, sudden drops in blood pressure, and even death.

2. Chikungunya

Aedes mosquito bites cause not just dengue fever, but can also lead to chikungunya. Its symptoms are similar to dengue fever, but chikungunya is marked by pronounced joint pain, especially in the knees and elbows.

3. Malaria

Malaria is common in tropical regions, including Indonesia. It is caused by a parasite transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Generally malaria can cause symptoms such as chills, fever, nausea, and rapid breathing. If malaria infection spreads to the brain, seizures and fainting can occur.

4. Yellow Fever

This disease is called yellow fever because severe infections can damage the heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to symptoms such as jaundice and bleeding. During the incubation period, the patients may be asymptomatic. In the acute phase, symptoms often include nausea, dizziness, and muscle pain.

5. Zika Virus

Zika virus can be transmitted through the bite of Aedes aegypti. This infection is especially concerning for pregnant women because it can also affect the fetus. Maternal Zika infection can raise the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and microcephaly, a neurological condition.

6. Japanese Encephalitis

Early symptoms of Japanese encephalitis resemble common viral infections: fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. In severe cases, symptoms can include fainting, disorientation, seizures, and coma.

Beyond these diseases that are mentioned above, mosquito bites can also cause other diseases such as La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile viral infection. Common symptoms of mosquito-borne infections include fever, dizziness, joint pain, rashes, nausea, and diarrhea.

Preventing Mosquito-borne Infections

According to the Mayo Clinic, the best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent bites among family members. Wear long sleeves to reduce exposure, avoid outdoor activities at night when mosquitoes are most active, and install bed nets if needed.

Some mosquito-borne infections can cause severe illness and even death. If you travel to areas with high mosquito activity, take preventive steps such as vaccination when available, wearing long clothing, and using mosquito repellent. If you develop any of the symptoms above, consult a doctor promptly.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!