A simple swat can eliminate the threat: a mosquito.
These buzzing insects are more than just annoying — they carry diseases. When they bite and draw blood from humans or animals, they can also pick up viruses or germs. When they bite someone or something else, they deposit the germ directly under the skin.
Residents of certain areas in Massachusetts have been advised to remain indoors during peak mosquito activity after cases of eastern equine encephalitis were discovered. And Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top U.S. infectious disease expert, also contracted West Nile virus.
Both are serious diseases spread by mosquitoes — though thankfully they are relatively uncommon.
The most effective way to avoid getting sick is, of course, to avoid being bitten. This means taking precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors when mosquitoes are active. Local health departments also work to reduce mosquito populations, including spraying neighborhoods with insecticide. Massachusetts authorities are using trucks and airplanes this week to spray vulnerable areas.
Here’s a look at some common — and less common — mosquito-borne diseases.
Eastern equine encephalitis
Most people infected with eastern equine encephalitis don’t develop symptoms, but some can experience fever or brain swelling, and about one-third of infected individuals die. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been three cases of eastern equine encephalitis in the U.S. this year, one each in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont. The worst year for the disease was 2019, with 38 cases. It is caused by a virus and is not very common worldwide. The virus typically spreads in specific swamps, including red maple and white cedar swamps in Massachusetts.
West Nile virus
Around 2 in 10 people infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms, which can include fever and brain swelling. Approximately 1 in 10 people who develop severe symptoms die. There have been . West Nile virus was first reported in the U.S. in 1999 in New York. It gradually spread across the country. In 2003, there were nearly 10,000 cases.
Malaria
Malaria infected nearly 250 million people worldwide in 2022 and killed more than 600,000, mostly children. It is caused by a parasite carried by mosquitoes and mainly infects people in tropical regions, especially Africa. A in recent months that health officials hope will help reduce cases and deaths.
Dengue
Also known as “break-bone fever” because it can be so painful, . The World Health Organization says that about half the world’s population is at risk of getting the disease, and there are 100 million to 400 million infections every year. Not everyone gets symptoms, which can include fever, severe headaches and pain in the muscles and joints. Most U.S. cases are in people who have traveled to other countries, though the CDC says there have been about 2,600 locally acquired cases so far this year.
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