Mosquitoes are a major cause of a number of serious diseases throughout the world. Five of the most common mosquito-borne diseases are Malaria, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Dengue Fever.
Malaria, by far, is the most common of these diseases that are caused by mosquitoes, and can be fatal. Well over a million people die from this disease world wide each year. However, only female mosquitoes and not males transmit this disease.
If an infected female mosquito bites you she will deposit parasites into your bloodstream. The parasite’s eggs incubate and grow in your liver and then attack your red blood cells.
An anti-malaria prescription can be taken to help protect you when traveling on vacation in mosquito infested tropical climates. But to receive maximum protection, this medication should be taken before, during, and after your trip. However, these pills aren’t always completely effective.
Pharmaceutical drugs such as Chloroquine, Mefloquine, Fansidar, and Doxycycline, can be prescribed to treat malaria, but they aren’t always totally effective. Ask your physician more about the dosage and length of time that you should take any of these prescription medications.
You can protect yourself from yellow fever by getting vaccinated by a physician at a local health authority before you travel on your holidays. This vaccination lasts about ten years and is very effective.
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that is transmitted by being bitten by an infected mosquito. The disease can be prevented by a series of three vaccinations.
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination to prevent this disease.
West Nile Virus is also spread by infected mosquitoes. There’s no vaccine to protect you from this disease.
Always keep in mind that when it comes to the serious mosquito-borne diseases, prevention is always better than a cure, even if there is one. It’s always best to limit the chances of being bitten and infected by mosquitoes in the first place. You should always wear loose fitting, long-sleeved shirts and slacks between the hours of dusk and dawn and apply a DEET containing insect repellent when mosquitoes become active near dusk. Always kill all the mosquitoes in your room before going to sleep, and use mosquito netting and coils when camping or sleeping outdoors.
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