Symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases

Partagez / Share this !

In 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria affected some 241 million sufferers and caused over 627,000 deaths, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Undernutrition, the main cause of mortality affecting children and the elderly, affects almost half the world’s population, and is present in at least 100 countries.

In the case of chikungunya and the Zika virus, discredited despite the deterioration in hygiene conditions, epidemic outbreaks have been observed for decades. Early recognition of symptoms, even before the onset of signs of aggravation, improves treatment and helps limit the spread of the diseases.

However, it is often difficult to make a diagnosis without specific analysis. Moreover, multiple symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, among others, make the infection atypical. Globalization, climate change and better adaptation are causing surprises, resulting in the appearance of vector-borne diseases in hitherto unscathed areas.

In mainland France, native cases of dengue fever have been described, reinforcing vigilance in the case of identified pathologies. Understanding the specific symptoms of each mosquito-borne disease can be vital for travellers, residents of high-risk regions and healthcare professionals alike. This will enable them to intervene rapidly with a prescription or a medical consultation, for example, but also to consider and implement appropriate preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Taking a closer look at the particularities of the clinical signs of dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya or the Zika virus could thus enable us to better protect ourselves, actively participating in the fight against the spread of disease.



IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT A DOCTOR

Dengue: symptoms and clinical signs

Dengue (and the dengue virus), a viral infection of arboviral origin, is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus (tick mosquitoes), mainly by Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. The incubation period varies from 4 to 10 days, and the disease usually begins abruptly, with high fever, intense headache, retro-orbital pain, arthralgia and myalgia, and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting may also occur.

While these manifestations are usually benign, dengue fever can sometimes evolve into more serious forms, with haemorrhagic failures, intense abdominal pain and shock, which must be recognized early for effective management and preventive treatment of complications.

Symptoms of dengue fever vary in intensity and duration, but particular vigilance for early warning signs of the severe form of the disease can enable early intervention.

Malaria: clinical manifestations

Malaria is a vector-borne parasitosis of animal origin, caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by arthropod vectors represented by mosquitoes belonging to the genus Anopheles.

After an incubation period of 7 to 30 days, cold-like symptoms appear, with fever the most frequent sign, along with chills, cold sweats and hyperhidrosis. Occasionally cyclical febrile attacks reflect the different stages of the parasite cycle.

Other signs may include headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes cough, while severe forms may be accompanied by severe hemorrhaging in anemic malaria sufferers, coma, repeated convulsions, renal failure, respiratory insufficiency, etc. Recognizing all these signs early on is fundamental to medical management aimed at avoiding any fatal outcome.

Vigilance is all the more necessary because of the need to look for signs of malaria in travelers returning home, and to repeat the information and clinical advice given when staying in endemic areas.

Chikungunya: signs and symptoms

The viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), known as chikungunya, manifests itself after an incubation period generally lasting between 2 and 10 days. It begins abruptly with a high fever (> 38.5°C), which is immediately associated with a meningeal syndrome.

In general, joint pain or arthralgia is severe and very incapacitating. They are mainly located in the wrists, ankles, fingers and knees. The disease is also marked by myalgia, a rash on the trunk and limbs, conjunctivitis, nausea and fatigue.

While most sufferers recover within a few days to a week, sometimes, as in the case of arthralgia, the pain can persist for several months or even years. Severe forms are rare, but can occur in newborns, the elderly and people with certain basic pathologies.

Early diagnosis is essential to provide early treatment, and reduce the risk of complications and disease transmission.

Zika virus: clinical manifestations

The Zika virus is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes family. It is often symptomless, with 70% to 80% of infected people showing no symptoms.

When present, symptoms generally develop between 3 and 12 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Moderate fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain and conjunctivitis are the most frequently reported manifestations, which are generally mild and disappear within a week.

Infection with the Zika virus during pregnancy represents a worrying problem that can lead to congenital malformations such as microcephaly, a serious malformation of fetal brain development. In addition, although rare, infection in adults can be associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological disease leading to muscle weakness and progressive paralysis.

Prompt recognition of this symptomatic picture is necessary in both pregnant women to reduce the risk of complications. Travel to infected areas should be avoided, and mosquito protection strategies should be adopted.

To find out more about the areas at risk and the precautions to take, read our advice here : Mosquitoes in Ibiza and the Balearics: the most favourable periods.

Yellow fever: symptoms and course

Yellow fever is a major viral disease carried by mosquitoes.

After an incubation period of three to six days, the first symptoms appear suddenly: high fever, chills, very intense headaches and myalgia, particularly of the back. These symptoms are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. In the vast majority of patients, symptoms disappear within three to four days.

However, around 15% of those infected enter a more severe phase after a brief period of remission. This toxic phase is marked by a return of fever, jaundice due to liver damage, abdominal pain and natural bleeding (nose, mouth, eyes).

In the most serious cases, black vomiting may occur, linked to digestive haemorrhaging. This type of evolution can lead to the patient’s death if no medical treatment is undertaken.

Vaccination remains the only effective means of preventing yellow fever, especially for travellers to endemic areas in Africa and South America.

West Nile fever: clinical signs

West Nile virus is most often an infection caused by a virus transmitted by the bites of Culex mosquitoes. Once infected, there is usually only a short incubation period of 2 to 14 days, after which around 80% of infected people show no symptoms. For the remaining 20%, however, the disease is characterized by a flu-like illness: high fever, headaches, myalgias (muscle aches), arthralgias (joint pains) and sometimes a rash.

However, in very rare cases (less than 1% of infections), patients may develop rare or severe neurological complications such as meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis. Those most at risk are the elderly and people with underlying pathologies.

Epidemiological surveillance and prevention of mosquito bites are the best measures to limit the spread of West Nile virus.

Symptom comparison: summary table

To better understand and differentiate between mosquito-borne diseases, here is a comparative table of the most common symptoms:

SYMPTOMS OF MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES

This comparison makes it possible to identify the distinctive features of each disease more quickly.

To find out more about prevention and the dangers of mosquitoes, consult our guide : Create a mosquito-free garden with Mosquizen.

Prevention and protection against mosquito-borne diseases

Measures for individual control of mosquito bites :

  • Use transcutaneous repellents
  • Wear long, loose-fitting clothing to limit skin exposure.
  • Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net in endemic areas

Measures for collective control of mosquito proliferation

  • Eliminate stagnant water around homes to limit the proliferation of mosquito larvae
  • Raising awareness of the health risks of mosquito bites
  • Implement vector control programs using ecological solutions such as mosquito traps

Ecological measures

Mosquito control doesn’t have to involve the use of harsh chemicals. More environmentally-friendly solutions exist and are highly effective.

Mosquizen mosquito traps: a sustainable alternative
Mosquizen offers environmentally-friendly mosquito control solutions, particularly suited to gardens, terraces and residential areas. Among the most innovative devices:

  • mosquito traps: inspired by the natural mechanisms of human respiration, these devices diffuse CO₂ to attract mosquitoes, which are then captured without chemical insecticides ;
  • mosquito control stations: ideal for communities and businesses, they help to reduce mosquito populations in a given area over the long term, protecting outdoor spaces while preserving biodiversity.
  • Mosquizen is the answer for both private and professional customers: whether you’re looking to protect a terrace, a garden or a vacation resort, Mosquizen devices are the effective answer, with no danger to the environment.
  • Planting repellent plants such as citronella, lavender or geranium can also be a natural solution for limiting the presence of mosquitoes.

Environmentally-friendly mosquito control means effective action against mosquitoes while protecting the natural balance of the environment.

To find out more about Mosquizen solutions, consult our guide : Mosquizen ecological mosquito bollards

Conclusion

Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for millions of infections every year. Knowing the symptoms and how to protect yourself against them can help limit their impact on health. Remaining vigilant is essential, especially when traveling to high-risk areas.

We remind you that in case of doubt, you should consult a doctor in order to assess your state of health and rapidly treat potentially serious illnesses that may be linked to mosquito bites.

Additional information:

Partagez / Share this !