Mosquito Borne Diseases and How to Protect Yourself

Mosquitoes Cause Many Serious Diseases

Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting serious diseases such as Malaria, Dengue, West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever, and Chikungunya. These diseases pose significant health risks to international travelers, especially those heading to tropical regions. Understanding how to prevent mosquito bites can dramatically lower your chances of contracting these potentially deadly illnesses.

Each year, over 60 million Americans travel to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. With climate change increasing the spread of these diseases, even more temperate climates, including parts of the U.S., are at risk.

Malaria: The Deadliest Mosquito-Borne Disease

Malaria, caused by a blood-borne parasite transmitted by infected mosquitoes, remains the deadliest vector-borne disease globally. It claims approximately 600,000 to 800,000 lives annually, most of whom are children under the age of five.

Malaria is endemic in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, forested areas of South and Central America, and some Caribbean and Pacific islands. While malaria-carrying mosquitoes are commonly found in rural areas, they can thrive wherever they have access to standing water and hosts. These mosquitoes typically bite from dusk to dawn.

There is currently no widely available vaccine for malaria, but antimalarial medications, known as malaria prophylaxis, can significantly reduce the risk. A visit to a travel medicine clinic will ensure you have the correct medication for your destination.

Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya

Dengue Fever is the most widespread mosquito-borne disease, endemic in over 100 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of the world’s population lives in areas at risk for Dengue. The same mosquitoes that carry Dengue can also transmit Zika and Chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes are typically found in urban areas and are active during the day.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Dengue, Chikungunya, or Zika, but a new vaccine for Chikungunya was recently licensed in the U.S.

Yellow Fever: A Risk in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America

Travelers heading to Sub-Saharan Africa or the Amazon region in South America may be at risk for Yellow Fever, another disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Some countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry. The vaccine is only available from specially certified providers and travel clinics, so a consultation with a travel health specialist is essential.

Practical Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Prevention is key to avoiding mosquito-borne illnesses. Here are some practical tips:

Cover Up: Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, long pants, and socks. Opt for light colors like khaki, which mosquitoes are less likely to detect, and avoid dark colors like navy blue, which attract mosquitoes.
Use Insect Repellent: Apply a long-acting insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin (30-50%) to exposed skin. Reapply after sweating or water activities.
Use Mosquito Netting: In malaria-endemic areas, sleep under mosquito nets or stay in air-conditioned accommodations.
Pre-Treat Clothing: Treat your clothes with permethrin before packing. This insecticide provides extra protection and lasts for several weeks.
Plan Your Travel: Avoid peak mosquito seasons or locations with high mosquito populations whenever possible.

TravelBug Health offers all the resources you need to stay safe, including malaria medications and products to prevent insect bites.

Interesting Facts About Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other creature, causing approximately 700,000 to 800,000 deaths globally each year.
The name Anopheles (the genus of mosquitoes that transmit malaria) comes from the Greek anofelís, meaning “good-for-nothing.”

For more information on preventing mosquito bites, visit the CDC website. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy a safer journey with TravelBug Health.