Mosquito-Borne
Diseases From parasites to viruses. Understanding symptoms and knowing when to seek professional medical care.
Mosquitoes are vectors for some of the world's most dangerous diseases. Early detection and rapid treatment are the most critical factors in saving lives.
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Africa bears over 90% of the global burden, with hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, primarily among children.
Exclusively transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Parasites enter the bloodstream, multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.
Primarily nocturnal. Protection must focus on nighttime nets and indoor residual spraying.
- High fever and shaking chills
- Intense headache and muscle aches
- Extreme fatigue and physical weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Untreated malaria can be fatal within 24-48 hours. Seek immediate diagnosis (RDT or microscopy) and treatment with ACTs at the first sign of fever.
Dengue Fever
Dengue is a viral infection that causes severe flu-like symptoms. It has seen a massive increase in urban areas across Africa in recent years.
Spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The virus circulates in the blood for 2-7 days after symptom onset.
Aggressive daytime biters. Peak activity is early morning and late afternoon. Night nets provide no protection.
- Sudden high fever (up to 40°C)
- Severe pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain (Breakbone fever)
- Skin rash (appears 2-5 days after fever)
If fever subsides but severe abdominal pain or bleeding gums develop, seek emergency care immediately. This may indicate severe dengue.
Chikungunya
First identified in Tanzania in 1952, the name means 'to become contorted,' referring to the stooped posture caused by severe joint pain.
Like Dengue, it is transmitted primarily by daytime-biting Aedes species in and around human dwellings.
While rarely fatal, the joint pain can persist for months or even years, leading to significant disability.
- Abrupt onset of high fever
- Debilitating joint pain (usually in hands and feet)
- Joint swelling and stiffness
- Back pain and fatigue
Lymphatic Filariasis
Commonly known as Elephantiasis, this disease is caused by microscopic, thread-like worms that live in the human lymphatic system.
Transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that breed in polluted water. Larvae move from the mosquito into the skin during a bite.
Night biters, most active in the first few hours after sunset. Common house mosquitoes in both urban and rural settings.
- Severe swelling of limbs (Lymphedema)
- Thickening of the skin and underlying tissues
- Damage to the lymphatic and immune systems
- Fever and local pain in the affected area
Participate in Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns to break the cycle of Message in your community.