Welcome to AboutBugs.com
Pest Management Priducts Division of CSPA
You are currently viewing an unstyled text-only version of the site.
Malaria - Caused by a parasite transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes present in tropical and subtropical countries, malaria annually affects 300-500 million people and kills 1.5 to 2.5 million, mostly children, according to the World Health Organization. Caused by any of the Plasmodium species of protozoa, it remains the most important human disease transmitted by mosquitoes worldwide but is rare in the U.S. Thought to have been introduced on the North American continent during colonial days, malaria is not native to the U.S.
Travel-related outbreaks have occurred here after the domestic Anopheles mosquito population was infected. The CDC reports U.S. malaria transmission since 1986 among Hispanic immigrants and California residents. Since 1985, about 1,000 cases of imported malaria have been reported each year, with 66 deaths in 1986-1995. In 1996, the U.S. had 1,800 cases.
Early stages have flu-like symptoms, seven to eight days after infection, such as fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. If not diagnosed and treated rapidly, malaria may cause shock, renal failure, acute encephalitis and coma, and it can be fatal. If not treated properly, symptoms may reappear months or years after infection. Treatment includes antibiotics. Prevention when traveling in high-risk areas includes anti-malarial drugs.
Yellow Fever - Occurring in Africa and South America, yellow fever is a rare cause of illness in travelers. Most countries have requirements for yellow fever vaccination. Vaccinations are required of persons reentering the U.S. from yellow fever areas. All planes and ships are required to kill infected mosquito vectors.
The first recognized and documented importation of yellow fever into the U.S. since 1924, involves an American who contracted the virus while fishing on the Amazon and Rio Negro Rivers in 1996. Returning to Tennessee, he died after six days of hospitalization.
Caused by a virus closely related to the dengue virus, and transmitted by Aedes aegypti, yellow fever infections produce dengue-like symptoms in humans. But the effects of yellow fever are much more severe. Symptoms include fever, jaundice or yellowing of skin, and hemorrhaging. The fatality rate may exceed 50% in epidemics. A safe vaccine is available, but no treatment exists.
Animal Health Impact
Mosquitoes harass and bite livestock, causing beef cattle and hogs to fail to gain weight, and dairy cattle to decrease milk production. Family pets and wildlife also suffer from the unrelenting attacks of mosquitoes.
