From Dengue to Zika: 5 Most Aggressive Mosquitoes Behind Deadly Diseases

5 Most Aggressive Mosquitoes Behind Deadly Diseases Mosquitoes have been rightly referred to as the most lethal organisms on the Earth- not by virtue of their length and breadth but by their virulent maladies they transmit. Ranging between dengue and Zika, and malaria and yellow fever, some mosquito species are known to cause millions of infections to people across the globe every year. The following are the most aggressive mosquitos that pose a threat to the lives of human beings.Aedes aegypti – The Carrier of Dengue & Zika Known also as the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti is infamous for its spread of dengue, Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Mosquitoes are highly adapted to an urban environment, and they breed in sluggish water and bite highly during the daytime. They belong to the category of the most hazardous kinds of mosquitoes due to the possibility of fitting into the urban environment.Aedes polynesiensis – The Pacific Vector Not as well known as its relatives, but equally likely to cause death, Aedes polynesiensis is a type of mosquito native to the Pacific Islands. It transmits dengue and lymphatic filariasis. What distinguishes it is that it breeds in strange places like coconut shells, tree holes and even crab burrows, making control efforts hard.Culex quinquefasciatus – The Silent Spreader Known as the southern house mosquito, this strain has been the cause of certain diseases such as West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis and lymphatic filariasis. Culex species are also nighttime-feeding mosquitoes; unlike Aedes, which aggressively bite, Culex bites are subtle. This behaviour goes undetected until it is too late.Anopheles gambiae – The Malaria Mosquito Anopheles gambiae is the deadliest cause of malaria. The species is found mainly in Africa and is very efficient in transmitting the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasite. It normally bites in the night, and therefore mosquito nets and repellents are the major tools available in preventing infection. Malaria alone is claimed to cause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, most of them in children.Aedes albopictus – The Asian Tiger Mosquito It is the black-and-white striped insect we can identify as Aedes albopictus, an infamous carrier of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. A native of Asia, it has since spread across the world courtesy of travelling and trade. Unlike the Aedes aegypti, it is able to live in colder climates, which are increasing its risk in new locations.