Well, here we are again. This title may seem strange to some of you, but those who know, know. Mosquitoes are likely one of the most dangerous living things on the planet to humans. That’s right. More likely is a mosquito to lay you in the ground than a tiger. In fact, no other insect or animal kills more humans every year. Outside of humans, that is. But it’s not from any sort of violent mauling. No, with these dangerous Florida mosquitoes, it’s the diseases they carry- the very topic of our discussion today.
Down in the sunshine state, we have a massive problem with invasive species. Everything from the Tegu to the Python calls our state home now. But it’s not just the reptiles that flourish here. No sir, it’s the bugs too. And while we’ve had our own fair share of dangerous Florida mosquitoes that are native, it’s the new invaders that are even worse.
Dangerous Florida Mosquitoes – Overview
The Asian tiger mosquito, or Aedes albopictus, transmits the virus that causes dengue fever. A close relation, the Aedes aegypti, is the primary vector for dengue and yellow fever viruses in urban areas. While the Asian tiger mosquito prefers vegetation and mainly lays eggs outdoors, the yellow fever mosquito can lay eggs indoors with a special preference for man-made containers.
The mosquito species known as Psorophora ciliata are most closely associated with floodwater mosquitoes because the eggs are deposited in dry areas and larvae await the onset of floodwaters to hatch in droves. These aggressive biters have been found to carry the equine encephalitis virus.
The genus referred to as Culex includes the common house mosquito. It is a weak flier, but it is an aggressive biter. The Culex quinquefasciatus species is a carrier of the human encephalitis virus. Some species of the genus Anopheles can transmit malaria when they feed on an infected person’s blood then subsequently bite a healthy person. The females are the disease vectors, but they are also aggressive biters as they require a blood meal for reproduction.
Zika Virus
This is a virus that held the headlines long before the Covid was ravaging the world. But unlike the new disease, this one is mosquito borne. You contract it through the bite of an infected aedes species mosquito, which is found throughout the world now (including Florida). The virus appeared in the Zika Forest in Uganda in 1947. Reports of outbreaks in southeastern and southern Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas since that time.
When a mosquito bites a person infected with the Zika virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus enters that person’s bloodstream.
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection that primarily occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Most people infected with the Zika virus have no signs and symptoms, while others report mild fever, rash, and muscle pain. Other signs and symptoms may include headache, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a general feeling of discomfort. Zika virus is also called Zika or Zika virus disease.
Zika virus infections during pregnancy have been linked to miscarriage and can cause microcephaly, a potentially fatal congenital brain condition. The Zika virus also may cause other neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Researchers are working on a Zika virus vaccine. For now, the best prevention is to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito habitats.
Dangerous Florida Mosquitoes and Malaria
At this point, this is the “classic” mosquito borne disease. It can affect humans and other animals. Malaria is caused by a type of microscopic parasite. The parasite is transmitted to humans most commonly through mosquito bites.
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite and the parasite is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People who have malaria usually feel very sick, with a high fever and shaking chills. Each year, approximately 210 million people are infected with malaria, and nearly 440,000 people die from the disease. Most of the people who die from the disease are young children in Africa.
While the disease is uncommon in temperate climates, malaria is still common in tropical and subtropical countries. World health officials are trying to reduce the incidence of malaria by distributing bed nets to help protect people from mosquito bites as they sleep. Scientists around the world are working to develop a vaccine to prevent malaria. Dangerous Florida Mosquitoes have been spreading this since Florida has been a thing!
West Nile Virus
If you live in or are traveling to an area where malaria is common, take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, you should:
Cover your skin. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts. Apply insect repellant to skin and clothing. Sprays containing DEET can be used on skin and sprays containing permethrin are safe to apply to clothing. Sleep under a net. Bed nets, particularly those treated with insecticide, help prevent mosquito bites while you are sleeping.
A mosquito-transmitted virus causes most cases of West Nile infection. Most people infected with West Nile virus either don’t develop signs or symptoms or have only minor ones, such as fever and mild headache. However, some people develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the spinal cord or brain. Mild signs and symptoms of a West Nile virus infection generally go away on their own. But severe signs and symptoms — such as a severe headache, fever, disorientation, or sudden weakness — require immediate attention.
Exposure to mosquitoes where the West Nile virus exists increases your risk of getting infected. Protect yourself from mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that covers your skin to reduce your risk.
