Dengue Virus

Dengue VirusDengue virus (DENV) can be transmitted to humans by infected mosquito bite. This virus, common in Asian and Latin American countries, can cause serious illness and death. There is no specific treatment for mild or serious cases. With immediate proper medical care, the fatality rate of severe cases is below 1%.

Quick Facts

• Found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide.
• 100-400 million infections occur yearly.
• Over 80% of cases are mild and asymptomatic.
• Symptoms can appear as acute flu-like illness.

Malaria

This life-threatening disease is caused by infected bites of the female Anopheles mosquito. It is preventable and curable.

Quick Facts

Estimated 241 million cases worldwide in 2020.
Estimated malaria deaths were 627,000 in 2020.
Africa carries 95% of the world’s malaria cases and 96% of its deaths.
Children under age 5 comprised 80% of those deaths.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) in humans can cause a fatal neurological disease. Of those infected, 80% do not show symptoms. The disease is transmitted via infected mosquito bite.

Quick Facts

• Vaccines are available for horses but not people.
• Birds naturally host the virus.
• WNV is common in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and West Asia.
• Transmission occurs in nature between birds and mosquitoes. However, further infection can occur to humans, horses, and other mammals.

Zika Virus

The Zika Virus is a disease caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This type of mosquito most commonly bites during the day. Symptoms include fever, conjunctivitis (pink eye), muscle and joint pain, headache, general discomfort, or rash.

Quick Facts

• The virus was first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947.
• It was later found in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
• The first recorded outbreak occurred in 2007, with later outbreaks in 2013 and 2015.
• There is no current treatment available for Zika virus.