Mosquitoes may be tiny, but the diseases they transmit are among the most dangerous to human health. No wonder they are known as the deadliest animal in the world. They are deadly vectors that transmit diseases.
Some of the diseases have no cure. Yes, that’s right. Here is a list of mosquito-borne diseases with no known cure:
Japanese encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus. The virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes found in parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. Though most infections are mild or asymptomatic, in severe cases, symptoms such as high fever, and seizures, may occur leading to brain inflammation and permanent neurological damage.
There is no treatment for the virus at present. The symptoms are treated.
Dengue fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV). This virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. About 100-400 million infections occur every year, according to the WHO. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint pain, and, in severe cases, hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for dengue.
The treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Zika virus
Zika virus disease is an illness caused by a virus. Aedes mosquitoes are the ones that spread this viral infection. Some people infected with the Zika virus are asymptomatic. However, if pregnant women get the infection, it can be extremely serious. It can lead to severe birth defects, including microcephaly in infants born to infected mothers. Currently, there is no antiviral treatment available for Zika virus disease. The treatment is limited to symptom management with rest, fluids, analgesics, and antipyretics.
Chikungunya, another disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It causes an illness with fever and joint pain, which can last for weeks or even months. Death from chikungunya and serious complications are rare; however, it can give prolonged arthritis-like symptoms, which can severely impact the quality of life.
There are currently no medicines to treat this viral infection. Only the symptoms are managed using medications, rest, and fluid intake.
West Nile virus
West Nile virus causes a fatal neurological disease. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. About 80% of those infected are asymptomatic, which increases the severity of the infection.
The symptoms in those who exhibit include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Currently, there are no medicines to treat this infection. Antibiotics and ineffective, and there are no vaccines so far.
Yellow fever is a viral infection caused by a virus found in Africa and South America. The virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This infection can cause fever, chills, muscle pain, nausea, and, in severe cases, jaundice and bleeding. Currently, there are no medicines to treat the infection. But a vaccine is available to prevent it.
Courtesy: Originally published by Times of India @timesofindia.indiatimes.com
