What Are Diseases Spread By Insects?

Pests are called pests for a reason—these invaders are irritating, distracting, and even deadly. Who wouldn’t want to live in a world without insects when we consider the likes of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and so many other creeping, biting things?

Some pests are major health hazards, too. Insect bites lead to various diseases and infections. On a case-by-case basis, the insect bite can evoke anything from a mild fever to a potentially fatal complication.

How do you prevent pests? Through preparation and education. You can even hire a mosquito control company.

First, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible diseases spread by insects:

1. West Nile Virus

West Nile Infection is a rare mosquito-borne disease that has led to more than 2,000 deaths worldwide since it was first detected in the late 90s. Birds that feed on mosquitoes may also become infected, but it’s unclear whether humans suffer through interaction with infected birds.

What are the symptoms?

• high fever
• rashes
• sore throat
• nausea
• muscle aches
• joint pain

**Note: There are many asymptomatic patients infected with the West Nile Virus.

Does a cure exist?

No. There is no known vaccine to combat the West Nile Virus.

In mild cases, a combination of bed rest, prescription medicine, and pain relievers, such as aspirin, are enough to alleviate the symptoms. Those in more severe condition will have to go to the hospital for specialized treatment.

2. Malaria

The first recorded cases of malaria were in 1897. Cases were more severe then because of the lack of mosquito control tools and antimalarial medication available.

What are the symptoms?

• central headache
• chills
• fatigue
• back pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• dry cough
• spleen enlargement

Does a cure exist?

Yes, malaria is a curable disease. Complications may arise if the patient isn’t diagnosed or treated right away, though.

3. Zika Virus

The first major Zika Virus outbreak occurred in the first quarter of 2016. Health officials were able to control mosquito activity, and the outbreak didn’t progress for long. The greatest risk applies to pregnant women, as Zika causes microcephaly (heads that are too small to accommodate a growing brain) if contracted in the womb.

What are the symptoms?

• high fever
• skin rash
• red eyes
• headaches
• joint pain
• general discomfort

Does a vaccine exist?

No. The Zika Virus cannot be cured.

It is often mild, though. Most patients can combat it through prescription medication and bed rest. Treatments are geared toward alleviating the symptoms while the disease naturally passes.

4. Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis is a common mosquito-borne disease in both urban and rural areas during the monsoon season. Small children are most susceptible to the virus (of the 30,000 to 50,000 new recorded cases annually, 25,000 are children).

What are the symptoms?

• tremors
• headaches
• high fever
• spastic paralysis
• stiff neck
• nausea

Does a vaccine exist?

No. Japanese Encephalitis isn’t curable.

One can only alleviate the symptoms through prescription medication.

5. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

The RMSF is a tick-borne disease, most common in North America, Europe, and Africa.

What are the symptoms?

• high fever
• nausea
• chills
• confusion
• muscle aches
• non-itchy rash
• joint pain
• diarrhea

Does a vaccine exist?

There is no vaccine to prevent RMSF. Patients can cure the disease through prescribed antibiotics in the early stages of the disease.

6. Heartworm

Heartworm is a mosquito-borne disease that primarily target household pets like cats and dogs, although humans are susceptible to getting heartworm as well.

Contact Native Shield today to help prevent these types of insect-borne diseases.