What Diseases & Illnesses Do Mosquitoes Carry in Georgia?

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. These tiny, buzzing insects are known carriers of serious diseases and viruses affecting millions yearly. Understanding the risks associated with mosquito bites, identifying the diseases they carry, and learning effective prevention methods can help protect you and your loved ones from harm. 

Overview of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. These tiny blood-feeding insects can transmit harmful viruses, parasites, and bacteria to humans and animals. Mosquitoes, particularly female mosquitoes, play a key role in disease transmission. After feeding on an infected host, they can spread viruses to the next individual they bite. Some mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex, are responsible for spreading many of the world’s most dangerous diseases. Thankfully, most mosquitoes are primarily nuisance pests. Here in Georgia, we have had reported cases of these more dangerous mosquitoes, but they are rare. 

How Mosquitoes Transmit Diseases

When a female mosquito bites, it uses its specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and consume a blood meal. If the mosquito has previously bitten an infected person or animal, it can pass pathogens like viruses or parasites to the next host. This is how diseases like malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus are spread. Mosquitoes also transmit disease-causing organisms to animals, including horses, birds, and pets.

Do I Have a Mosquito-Borne Disease?

If you get a mosquito bite, symptoms should be mild. For most people, it’s an itchy bite that subsides in a few days. Even though it’s extremely unlikely that you would catch a mosquito-borne disease in Georgia, it’s important to know the symptoms.

Common symptoms of vector-borne diseases include:

• Sudden high fever
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Nausea or vomiting

What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry in Georgia?

In Georgia, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), La Crosse encephalitis, Zika Virus, and dengue fever. These diseases can cause symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe neurological complications. 

Preventive measures against mosquito bites, especially during warmer months, are essential for reducing health risks. While most reported malaria cases are in returned travelers from tropical regions, a small number of locally transmitted cases have also been documented.

Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne diseases may be rare in other parts of the world, but they’re nonetheless a serious threat. Each year, they cause more than 700,000 deaths, mostly affecting populations in tropical and subtropical regions. 

The most common mosquito-borne diseases are:

Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. After a person is infected, symptoms may appear within 10 to 15 days, often including fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. In some cases, the illness can progress to more severe stages, causing complications like anemia, respiratory distress, or organ failure. Without prompt treatment, malaria can be life-threatening, especially for young children, pregnant women, and travelers to regions where the disease is endemic. 

Although global efforts to control and prevent malaria have made significant progress, the disease remains one of the leading causes of death in many tropical and subtropical regions. Prevention and access to effective treatment are critical in reducing the spread of this deadly mosquito-borne illness.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. The disease causes a sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and a characteristic skin rash. In severe cases, dengue can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever, a life-threatening condition that can cause blood vessel damage, internal bleeding, and organ failure. 

There is no specific treatment for dengue, so supportive care is essential to manage symptoms and complications. The prevalence of dengue fever has been increasing in recent decades, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. Public health initiatives focusing on mosquito control and early detection play a crucial role in reducing outbreaks and minimizing the risks associated with this disease.

Zika Virus

The Zika virus has gained international attention in recent years, particularly because of its association with birth defects in newborns. Spread primarily by the Aedes mosquitoes, the virus typically causes mild symptoms such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and joint pain. However, the most concerning aspect of Zika is its potential impact on pregnant women, as the virus can be transmitted from mother to fetus. This can result in serious birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition where a baby is born with an abnormally small head and an underdeveloped brain. 

Zika has also been linked to other complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological condition. Preventing mosquito bites, particularly in areas where Zika is prevalent, is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection, especially for pregnant women.

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne illness primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, and it is prevalent in many parts of the world, including the United States. The majority of people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. However, about 20% may experience mild symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. In rare cases, WNV can lead to severe neurological diseases such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). 

People over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious complications from West Nile virus. Although no specific treatment or vaccine exists, supportive care can help manage the symptoms. Monitoring for dead birds and reducing mosquito populations around homes by removing standing water can help prevent the spread of WNV.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is known for causing intense and debilitating joint pain, which is often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash. The name “chikungunya” comes from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning “to become contorted,” reflecting the stooped appearance of sufferers due to severe joint pain. While the illness is rarely fatal, the pain can persist for weeks or even months, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life. 

Chikungunya outbreaks have been reported in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and the virus spreads quickly in areas with high mosquito activity. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but rest, fluids, and pain-relieving medications can help alleviate symptoms. Preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations are the best ways to reduce the risk of chikungunya infection.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, particularly in parts of Africa and South America. The initial symptoms are similar to those of the flu and include fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle pain. In some cases, yellow fever can progress to a more toxic phase, causing liver damage, jaundice (which causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow), bleeding, kidney failure, and shock. This severe form of yellow fever can be fatal if not treated promptly. 

Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine for yellow fever, which provides long-lasting immunity and is often recommended for travelers to regions where the disease is endemic. While there is no cure for yellow fever, early supportive care and prevention through vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and death.

Other Notable Diseases

La Crosse Encephalitis

La Crosse encephalitis is a rare but potentially severe disease transmitted by the Aedes triseriatus mosquito, which is commonly found in forested areas of the United States. This virus primarily affects children and can lead to a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In more serious cases, the infection can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which can result in seizures, confusion, or even long-term neurological damage. 

While most people who contract La Crosse encephalitis recover fully, children under the age of 16 are more susceptible to developing severe symptoms. Preventing mosquito bites by using repellent and avoiding areas where these mosquitoes thrive is essential, especially during peak mosquito season in the summer and fall.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is common in rural areas of Asia, particularly during the rainy season when Culex mosquitoes are most active. While most infections are mild or asymptomatic, about 1 in 250 cases results in severe illness, which can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), high fever, disorientation, and seizures. In severe cases, Japanese encephalitis can cause permanent neurological damage, including paralysis or cognitive impairments, and may even be fatal. Travelers to endemic regions, especially those planning to spend time in rural or agricultural areas, are advised to get vaccinated. Although there is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis, vaccination, and mosquito prevention efforts can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Rift Valley Fever

Rift Valley fever is primarily an animal disease that affects livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, but it can also be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or by bites from infected mosquitoes. For most people, Rift Valley fever causes mild symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, and headache, similar to the flu. 

However, in a small percentage of cases, the disease can progress to more severe forms, leading to eye complications, encephalitis, or even hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. Preventative measures, including vaccination for livestock and controlling mosquito populations, are crucial to limiting the spread of Rift Valley fever in affected regions.

*Information sourced from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. 

Prevention & Control Measures

Personal Protection

Preventing mosquito-borne diseases starts with protecting yourself from mosquito bites. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by wearing long sleeves and pants, which minimize exposed skin and reduce the likelihood of being bitten. 

Additionally, using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus provides an extra layer of protection against mosquitoes. To keep mosquitoes from entering your home, make sure windows and doors are properly screened. In areas where mosquito activity is high, particularly at night, sleeping under a mosquito net adds another level of defense, especially in regions where diseases like malaria are prevalent.

Environmental Control

Controlling mosquito populations around your home is another key step in preventing mosquito bites and spreading diseases. Start by eliminating standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. 

This means regularly emptying containers like birdbaths, flowerpots, and clogged gutters. Even small amounts of water can serve as breeding grounds, so be sure to clean out outdoor containers such as tires, cans, or lids. It’s also important to maintain swimming pools by keeping them clean and chlorinated to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. 

Lastly, trimming overgrown grass and bushes reduces the number of sheltered areas where mosquitoes like to rest during the day. These environmental control measures can significantly reduce mosquito populations around your home.

Need Help with Mosquito Pest Control in Your Georgia Home?

Active Pest Control specializes in mosquito identification, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, and using targeted treatments to reduce mosquito populations. Our experts can identify dangerous species like the Asian tiger mosquito and Aedes aegypti, which spread harmful viruses.

Our mosquito control treatments offer protection for your family, whether you need one-time service or ongoing coverage. Help to reduce the chance of mosquito bites and reclaim your outdoor spaces. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your home from mosquito-borne diseases in Georgia. Effective prevention starts with professional support, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

FAQS

Can Mosquitoes Transmit HIV or AIDS?

Mosquitoes can transmit some of the world’s deadliest diseases, but what about HIV or AIDS? Fortunately, mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV when they bite people. This is due to both the biology of the mosquito and of HIV itself:

• Mosquitoes are unable to become infected with HIV and thus cannot pass it on. 
• A mosquito’s proboscis has two tubes: one to suck blood from its host and the other to inject saliva into the bite. Because only saliva is injected into the host, HIV cannot be transmitted through the bite.
• Even if a mosquito has HIV in its body when it bites a host, there would not be enough to infect. The virus disappears in the mosquito after just one or two days.

Can Mosquitoes Carry HIV?

When a mosquito bites an HIV-positive individual, the virus will disappear in just 1-2 days, which is the time required for a mosquito to digest the blood. This is because HIV is unable to replicate within the mosquito’s gut, unlike humans in which HIV binds to T cells. 

It is during the mosquito’s digestion process that any HIV ingested is destroyed. The virus that’s being digested would never come in contact with you even if you were bitten by the same mosquito. That’s because mosquitoes use different tubes to inject saliva into you and draw blood out of you.

Do Mosquitoes Transmit Blood?

When mosquitoes “bite” you, they are using a needle-like proboscis that sucks up blood. This unique proboscis also prevents the mosquito from transferring blood back into you. Made up of two tubes, one tube sends saliva into the host while the other sucks up blood. 

This two-tube system is why mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV, which is transmitted through infected blood. Any HIV-positive blood ingested by a mosquito will, therefore never be passed on to another individual.