article writing on mosquito borne disease
Answers
Answer:
Most people have been bitten by a mosquito at some time in their lives.
Usually this causes no more than an extremely itchy swelling which produces discomfort for a day or so.
But mosquitoes can be the source of a number of serious illnesses. Some of the diseases spread through mosquito bites cannot be treated and may produce long-term problems or even death.
Aside from malaria, there are a number of other less well-known diseases spread by mosquitoes. Several of these diseases can be contracted in Australia.
Ross River fever
Occurring widely in Australia, the Ross River virus is spread from animals to humans by several different types of mosquitoes. Although many people infected with this virus have no, or only slight, symptoms, other people may have a fever, joint pain and swelling, tiredness, and a rash. The symptoms can usually clear up in a few weeks, but some people may have symptoms of joint pain and tiredness for many months. There is no specific treatment but medicines may be taken to help relieve the symptoms.
Barmah Forest virus
The Barmah Forest virus is also widespread in Australia and causes a similar illness to Ross River virus infection but the symptoms usually last for a shorter length of time. The virus is spread from infected animals, such as kangaroos, wallabies or possums, to humans by mosquitoes. Again, there is no specific treatment for this infection, but medicines may be taken to help manage the symptoms.
Australia is the only country where Barmah Forest virus has been found.
Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis is a very rare disease caused by infection with the Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Encephalitis is swelling / inflammation of the brain tissue. It can cause severe problems in some people and may be fatal.
The disease is spread to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The mosquito responsible is found throughout Australia and is endemic to northern Australia. Water birds, such as herons, are a natural reservoir of the virus.
The disease increases after flooding events, due to increased numbers of the mosquitoes that transmit the virus and migration of infected water birds into flooded areas.
Most people infected with the Murray Valley encephalitis virus do not develop symptoms, but others may have high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, irritability, seizures (or fits), and drowsiness. Immediate medical advice should be sought if you have these symptoms.
Dengue fever
The mosquito (Aedes aegypti) responsible for transmitting the dengue virus is found in most tropical areas of the world, including north Queensland, Australia. The mosquitoes breed in containers that hold stagnant water and mainly bite during the day, unlike other types of mosquito, which bite mainly at dusk or in the evening.
Every year in Queensland there are outbreaks of dengue fever caused by an infected person returning from overseas with the virus in their bloodstream. If the person is bitten by an Aedes mosquito in Australia, then the mosquito becomes infected and can go on to infect other people by biting them. So, although we don’t have the virus in Australia permanently, we do have the host mosquitoes – and once they are infected they can start an outbreak.
Queensland residents are encouraged to minimise mosquitoes and mosquito breeding in and around their homes.
People infected with dengue virus may have no symptoms, but others may experience high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash and extreme fatigue. In rare cases, dengue fever can be severe and even fatal. It is important to seek immediate medical advice if you suspect you have dengue fever.
Answer:
Diseases that are spread to people by mosquitoes include Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria.
There are a few measures you can take to
prevent infection from mosquito bites in general:
- use insect repellent.
- wear long sleeved shirts and pants.
- use windows and door screens.
- sleep with a bed net.
- stay in air conditioned rooms.
- avoid areas with still or stagnant water.
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