Since October, cases have been confirmed on the island. While crucial mosquito research is under way in university labs, the U. Peterson told Healthline that the Zika virus was discovered in the mid th century in Africa.
Since Zika was first reported in Brazil in , cases have exploded in 24 countries or territories. The virus is spreading rapidly because mosquitoes are more effective transmitters of disease than even flies.
Feeding allows the mosquito to produce eggs. This allows the disease-causing agent — for example, the Zika virus — into the site. Only a small fraction of fly species, however, will bite people, Peterson said. When a fly bites, it creates a wound and drinks blood from the site. But because fly feeding habits are different from mosquito biting habits, fewer pathogens are transmitted through fly bites.
Some mosquito bites are harmless, but others carry dangerous diseases. It is only female mosquitos that bite people. Blood serves as a source of protein for their eggs. Male mosquitoes do not consume blood. Mosquito bites pose a considerable health risk, with mosquito-borne diseases causing millions of deaths a year worldwide.
Malaria , one of the most commonly known diseases unique to mosquitos, killed around , people globally in However, a person can take preventive measures to keep them at bay. This article explores the symptoms and risks, as well as how to avoid bites.
Symptoms of a mosquito bite occur shortly after being bitten. A round, red bump with a dot in the middle usually accompanies an itching sensation. Multiple bumps are also common. These indicate that a mosquito pierced the skin in more than one location, or that more than one insect bit the person. Children and people with weakened immune systems can experience extra symptoms, such as hives , swollen glands, and low-grade fever. In general, symptoms become less severe with additional bites.
This is because the body slowly acclimatizes to the bites. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes throat swelling, hives, faintness, or wheezing. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention. If a person notices a mosquito bite and feels any flu-like symptoms or a fever, they should seek medical treatment immediately.
Female mosquitoes tend to target some people over others when it comes to feeding. Researchers do not yet fully understand the reasons for this selective process. A Nobel Prize worthy discovery While dissecting the stomach tissue of a mosquito on August 20, , Sir Ronald Ross discovered the malaria parasite inside. Tiny killers and killjoys Though only female mosquitoes feed on humans, the mosquito remains the deadliest animal in the world. A widespread threat Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria were extremely common in the United States before stagnant water breeding grounds for mosquitoes were paved over or drained, a practice we now call vector control.
Fighting mosquitoes since ancient times The bed net is an invention that dates to antiquity, with various mentions across geographical regions. Tough little buggers Mosquitoes are starting to become resistant to the insecticides we use to fight them.
They come at night We all dread the buzzing sounds that can spoil an otherwise pleasant evening outdoors. Knowledge is power We need globally available data to understand patterns and factors that increase or decrease risk of infection from mosquito-borne disease. Onward and upward Globally, we are making incredible progress against both malaria and LF. More Insight View All. Forever No More? Related Capabilities. Practice Area Global Health. You can lower your risk of mosquito bites by using an insect repellent on your skin during hours when mosquitoes are most active, which is from dawn to dusk.
If you plan on going outdoors, especially in wooded and bushy areas, make sure to apply a repellant beforehand. Most insect repellants use active ingredients such as picaridin and DEET to provide protection and last longer than other alternatives. Studies also show that the oil of lemon eucalyptus provides protection that rivals that of DEET in low concentrations.
Do not let water accumulate around you. Mosquitoes breed near humid environments and will dramatically expand their numbers. You can also keep bugs out of your home by frequently maintaining holes in your window screens. Repair any damage in screens that have holes or tears in them because they serve as outlets for mosquitoes. New moms go through an array of experiences that completely change them physically and emotionally.
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