Mosquito Bite Illnesses

109 22
Mosquito Bite Illnesses An annoying, itchy bump may not be the only thing a mosquito leaves behind after a bite. Mosquitoes can spread diseases, too. Viruses like West Nile and chikungunya may make you feel pretty bad for a time, but they aren't life-threatening. While malaria and yellow fever can be more serious, they aren't common in the U.S.

Fortunately, when you protect yourself from mosquito bites, you prevent the sickness as well as the scratching.

Recommended Related to Skin Problems & Treatments



Tattoo with Dermabrasion

Read the Tattoo with Dermabrasion article > >

Female mosquitoes need protein to lay their eggs. They get it by feeding on warm-blooded creatures, including birds, horses, and people. When a mosquito bites an infected animal (or a person, in some cases) and then bites you, it can pass the disease to your blood through its saliva.

Almost all mosquito-bite illnesses have similar symptoms:

Sometimes they're mistaken for the flu. Most mild cases will go away with rest and time.

There are vaccines and medicines that can lessen your chance of getting some of these illnesses, even if you're bitten.

West Nile Virus


Most people who get West Nile virus don't have any symptoms. About 1 in 5 will have a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Feeling worn out could take months to go away completely. A few people get a more serious infection that causes brain swelling, or meningitis. There's a very small chance you could die.

People in 48 of the 50 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and West and Central Asia have had West Nile.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up here to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.