Mosquitoes make irritating high pitched buzzing noises from their rapidly beating, small wings. Plus, they leave behind itchy bites which are just as irritating. The biggest problem with mosquitoes though, are the diseases they carry. This is why getting a mosquito killer is a good idea. There are a number of mosquito transmitted diseases that are very serious, and many times deadly to humans. In fact, mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world, based off of the number of people that have died from mosquito transmitted illness.

 

Here is a list of diseases mosquitoes carry:

 

Malaria

The most well known mosquito transmitted disease is malaria. It can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and from nursing mothers to babies. This is a parasitic disease that causes fever, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms. Left untreated it can result in death.

This disease has been around for a long time, and it is a still a huge problem. There are estimated to be able close to 500 million cases a year, and close to a million deaths. The parasite is also starting to become immune to some antibiotics.

Malaria can be treated with medication called Chloroquine. There are some instances where the Malaria parasitic is becoming resistant though. If you are traveling to a warm location in the topics, make sure you talk to your doctor prior to leaving. They can give you some preventive drugs.

Once the parasite gets into the blood stream it will seek out the liver. There it will produce more parasites to attack red blood cells.

West Nile Virus

West Nile is a viral disease spread through mosquitoes. It is believed to originate from infected birds that a mosquito bites. The early fall is when mosquitoes carry the highest concentrations of this disease, and is when people are more from to contracting it.

This disease can range from mild to severe. Some people never even know that they have contracted it. In server cases people will develop symptoms such as fevers, headaches, chills, sweating, weakness and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms will subside after around 5 days. In the worst cases, West Nile virus can result in decreased consciousness, a near-coma condition.

Since this disease is viral, there are no real cures for it.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is another viral infection cause by mosquitoes. This illness is most common in the Southern regions of South America, and Africa. Like most diseases, children and older people are more susceptible.

Those who contract this disease will experience symptoms around four days later. Yellow fever causes fever, nausea, and pain. Jaundice, and liver damage can also occur, which is where the virus gets its name from. This initially phase lasts 3 days. Then there is a usually remission. Sometimes a third toxic phase starts after this. This can result in failure of the heart, liver, and kidneys. People may also experience hemorrhaging, seizures, delirium or comas, and sometimes death.

There is no real treatment for Yellow Fever. However, blood can be replaced when hemorrhaging, or dialysis for kidney failure.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is yet another viral disease which is transmitted through mosquitoes to humans. Again, in the tropic and subtopic parts of the world. Travelers to these areas can contract it easily.

Around six days after it is transmitted, people will start to feel symptoms. This usually starts with a very high fever of up to 105 degrees. Then other symptoms will develop such as headache, muscle and joint pain, and a skin rash like measles. The disease is also called Bonebreak fever because of the extreme aches. Usually it is not deadly.

It is viral, and thus there are no real treatments. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.