7.7: Mosquito-borne Diseases- Malaria and Zika Virus
Mosquitos are the vectors that spread both Malaria (a protozoa) and the Zika virus as well as other diseases we will not cover here. Malaria can only be spread by mosquitos - it does not have a human-to-human route of transmission. Headache and chills are common symptoms, and sometimes malaria can progress into life-threatening illness. Fortunately, vector control measures, preventing mosquito bites, and taking certain prophylactic medicines can reduce the risk of infection. In 2021 a vaccine was developed for Malaria that shows promise at reducing the rates of severe, deadly malaria in children (World Health Organization: WHO, 2023b).
Zika also can be spread human-to-human via sexual contact and perinatally. Although most people infected with Zika virus will only have mild symptoms like a fever and rash, perhaps the most significant health impact occurs in the fetus of a pregnant person infected with Zika. A Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly in the fetus, an abnormally small head size and limited development of the brain and central nervous system. This can result in a variety of physical and severe mental disabilities at birth, and increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth (CDC, 2019b).