Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : June 19, 2015, 8:28 AM
1/6
If you believe mosquitoes can only cause dengue and malaria, you are completely wrong. Here are five common diseases caused by mosquitoes. How many of them are you aware of?
2/6
Chikungunya: It is a viral disease caused when a mosquito infected with the chikungunya virus bites a healthy person. The disease is characterized by severe joint pain, muscle aches and headache.
3/6
Japanese encephalitis: Caused by the flavivirus, this disease is transmitted by the Culex mosquitoes. It causes inflammation of the brain, which in rare cases also leads to brain hemorrhage or bleeding.
4/6
Filariasis: The filarial worm is carried by and transmitted to humans mainly by Culex mosquitoes. It affects the lymphatic system leading to profuse swelling of the legs.
5/6
Yellow Fever: Although a common disease of the tropical South America and African region, yellow fever is spread by female Aedes aegypti mosquito. The common symptoms include muscle pain, fever, chills and nausea. If you are travelling to these places, be extra careful.
6/6
West Nile virus: First identified in the West Africa, West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes infected with flavivirus. And what's worse, in 80% of cases it causes no symptoms. So beware, if you thought only malaria and dengue can be dangerous!
