Mosquito fever, also known as mosquito-borne viral fever, refers to a group of viral infections transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These infections typically cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and occasionally rash. Mosquito fever is caused by various viruses, such as dengue virus, Zika virus, chikungunya virus, and yellow fever virus.
Dengue fever is the most common form of mosquito fever, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It is characterized by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Zika fever, caused by the Zika virus, gained international attention due to its association with birth defects in newborns when pregnant women are infected. Symptoms of Zika fever include mild fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.
Chikungunya fever, caused by the chikungunya virus, leads to symptoms like sudden fever, severe joint pain (usually in the hands and feet), muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and rash.
Yellow fever, caused by the yellow fever virus, causes symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in severe cases. Yellow fever can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Prevention of mosquito fever primarily involves avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes. Vaccines are available for yellow fever and some dengue virus strains, but not for Zika or chikungunya viruses. Treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms and managing complications
