Mosquitoes: Buzzing, Biting, and Making People Sick!

Abstract

Mosquitoes—those small irritating insects that fly around and bite us on warm days—can also carry diseases that can make people very sick. Mosquitoes “bite” to suck blood from people and animals to feed their eggs. When a mosquito bites someone, it can also transmit a virus or parasite to that person. Mosquito-borne diseases are common in many parts of the world. Diseases carried by mosquitoes include malaria, dengue, and Zika. In this article, we will explain how mosquitoes transmit diseases and describe the main symptoms of several important mosquito-borne diseases. We will also tell you how both individuals and communities can protect themselves from mosquitoes and prevent these dangerous diseases.