Mosquito-borne diseases

J. K. Nayar and C. R. Connelly

This document provides an overview of mosquito-borne dog heartworm disease, caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis. It details the lifecycle of the parasite, which requires both dogs and mosquitoes to develop. The disease affects the heart and major blood vessels, leading to severe health issues in dogs. The document also covers the distribution of heartworm disease, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for dogs, as well as prevention strategies. Additionally, it discusses heartworm disease in cats and humans, highlighting differences in infection and clinical signs. Publication date: July 1990

C. Roxanne Connelly

Walter J. Tabachnick, Chelsea T. Smartt, and C. Roxanne Connelly

ENY-743 answers common questions about this viral disease of ruminant livestock transmitted by biting midges, the virus, clinical signs of bluetongue, economic impact, transmission, diagnosis, cure, distribution, presence in Florida, and prevention. Includes references.

Sabrina A. White and Phillip E. Kaufman

Anopheles gambiae Giles is commonly called the African malaria mosquito because it is the most efficient vector of human malaria in the Afrotropical Region. They are considered to be one of the world’s most important human malaria vectors because of their susceptibility to the Plasmodium parasite, their preference for humans as a host, and their indoor-feeding behavior. Due to their short development time and their preference for developmental habitats near human dwellings, Anopheles gambiae are considered effective vectors of human malaria, as well as lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)

Leena A. Salama, Abdullah A. Alomar, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, and Eric P. Caragata

This publication is intended for both the general public and mosquito control professionals. It outlines the use of the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis as a tool to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne disease. Biting mosquitoes transmit many pathogens that cause deadly diseases in people, our pets, and our livestock. Collectively, malaria, dengue, West Nile, filariasis, and other mosquito-borne diseases result in millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Effective vaccines for most of these have not been developed or are not yet available to the general public, and disease management is focused on controlling mosquito populations. Insecticides have become less effective over the past fifty years as mosquito populations all over the world have developed resistance. This has driven scientists to explore new options for controlling mosquitoes, including using the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis.

C. Roxanne Connelly andC. Roxanne Rutledge Connelly
Other Contacts: Eva A. Buckner

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

Yasmin V. Ortiz, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, Eric P. Caragata, and Panpim Thongsripong

This publication provides an overview of dengue fever, focusing on its epidemiological landscape in Florida. Dengue, caused by dengue virus and transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, is a major global health concern. Florida has experienced local dengue transmissions, and the incidence of dengue is increasing in the state. The biology and ecology of the primary vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, play  important roles in the disease's transmission cycle. No vaccine and no specific antiviral treatments are yet available, and diagnosis is difficult because dengue symptoms overlap with those of other, similar febrile illnesses. Prevention and control strategies, such as mosquito management, are therefore crucial to mitigate disease risks. Alongside urbanization, climate change, and globalization, incidence of dengue is increasing in Florida. Continued vigilance and research will help to combat this public health threat.

Lawrence Reeves, Lindsay P. Campbell

Mayaro virus (MAYV) can be spread from mosquitoes to humans. The geographic distribution of Mayaro virus is expanding from South and Central America into the Caribbean Islands, which means that, under the right conditions, this virus could one day become important to Florida. This publication is intended to serve as a fact sheet communicating information about MAYV to researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control and public health professions and to the general public.

Lawrence E. Reeves andLindsay Campbell

Introduced to the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted from mosquitoes to humans and equines. With over 52,000 reported human infections, it is the most frequent cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Many mosquito species can transmit WNV, and many wildlife species can be infected with the virus and transmit it to biting mosquitoes, which makes identifying WNV's high risk areas or time periods complex. The US equine industry, domestic pets, and livestock are all at risk from harm from WNV. Many equine WNV epizootics have occurred since 1999, with more than 30,000 equine cases reported in the United States. Since WNV's introduction to Florida in 2001, infections have been reported in a total of 460 people and 757 equines. This publication provides information about WNV to the general public, researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control, and public health professionals.