Mosquito-borne diseases threaten world
Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious threat to public health around the world. These diseases are caused by viruses and parasites transmitted by mosquitoes, which are found in many regions of the world, including both tropical and temperate areas. Mosquito-borne diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-threatening conditions. In this article, we will discuss the most significant mosquito-borne diseases and the impact they have had on global health.
- Malaria
Malaria is one of the most common and deadly mosquito-borne diseases in the world. It is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is prevalent in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in parts of Asia and Latin America. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide, resulting in 409,000 deaths. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to the disease, accounting for 67% of all malaria deaths.
- Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, including Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Africa. Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially fatal condition. According to the WHO, there were an estimated 3.9 million cases of dengue fever in the Americas in 2019, including 1,486 deaths.
- Zika Virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and has since spread to many parts of the world, including the Americas. The symptoms of Zika virus are usually mild and include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. However, infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected. The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2016 due to the rapid spread of Zika virus in the Americas.
- Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. The disease is prevalent in parts of Africa and South America. Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, chills, and headache, backache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the disease can cause liver failure and death. According to the WHO, yellow fever causes an estimated 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths each year.
- Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The disease is prevalent in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, and rash. While chikungunya is not usually fatal, the joint pain associated with the disease can be severe and debilitating. According to the WHO, there were an estimated 2.8 million cases of chikungunya worldwide in 2019.
The Impact of Mosquito-Borne Diseases on Global Health
Mosquito-borne diseases have a significant impact on global health, particularly in low-income countries. These diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality, resulting in lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and economic burden. Mosquito-borne diseases also disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and people living in poverty.
