What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Spread?

Mosquitoes are known for the diseases they’ve spread worldwide. Each year, there are more than 700,000 deaths from vector-borne diseases. These diseases have disproportionately affected populations in tropical and subtropical regions, but are a global threat. The most common mosquito-borne diseases are:

• Malaria
• Dengue
• Schistosomiasis
• Chagas disease
• Yellow fever
• Zika virus
• Rift Valley fever
• West Nile fever

Which Mosquitoes Can Transmit Disease?

The three species of mosquitoes that are responsible for spreading diseases are Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles mosquitoes. There are multiple species within these families. Thankfully, there are many types of mosquitoes that are not responsible for transmitting disease and are primarily a nuisance pest. Here in Central Florida, we have had reported cases of the Aedes mosquito, which is capable of transmitting disease.

What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry in Central Florida?

More than 200 types of mosquitoes are found in our nation. Of those, only about 12 types are capable of transmitting disease. The diseases that have been found in the United States include Dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and Malaria; these outbreaks occurred in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. Most cases of malaria reported occur in returned travelers from tropical regions. Most types of mosquitoes we encounter are nuisance mosquitoes that are incapable of transmitting the diseases that make people sick.

Symptoms of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Most mosquito bites from nuisance species will result in mild symptoms. So what symptoms alert you that you may be suffering from something more serious? Common symptoms of vector-borne diseases include:

• Sudden high fever
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Severe headaches
• Rash

Noticing any of these symptoms from a suspected mosquito bite warrants an immediate trip to your local hospital.