By: Alberto Cohen- Abbo, MD, FAAP
Infectious diseases spread by insects are a major cause of illnesses to children and adults worldwide.
Here are some of the diseases spread by mosquitoes and
ticks, and what parents need to know about them.
West Nile virus
West Nile virus is the leading cause of
mosquito-borne illness disease in the United States. West Nile virus and U.S. outbreaks of various types of encephalitis (brain swelling) get plenty of media coverage during the months of July-September.
Symptoms of West Nile virus infection
| ✅ | Most cases of West Nile virus infection are mild or without symptoms. People may have symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. |
| ✅ | Less common symptoms, which occur mostly in older adults, may include a severe headache, a high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light, muscle weakness and loss of consciousness.
|
La Cross virus
La Cross virus has become the second most common disease transmitted by mosquito bites in children. Severe disease after being infected by the virus happens most often in children under 16 years old.
Symptoms of La Cross virus infection
The majority of infected children have symptoms because of brain swelling such as fever, stiff neck, confusion and seizures. Fortunately, however, few have died from La Cross infection.
Zika virus
Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause fetuses to have a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Zika virus
outbreaks are currently happening in many countries and territories.
Symptoms of Zika virus infection
| ✅ | Many people won't have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. |
| ✅ | Symptoms may include fever, headaches, swollen limbs, itchy rash, joint pain or red eyes. |
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks.
Deer ticks are tiny, black-brown arachnids about the size of a poppy seed. Ticks are not insects because they have 8 legs, like spiders.
Lyme disease is an important health concern in certain regions of the country; the following areas are where most infections occur: Northeast, from Virginia to Maine; north-central states, mostly Wisconsin and Minnesota; and the West Coast, particularly northern California.
Symptoms of Lyme disease infection
Often the first and most obvious symptom of Lyme disease is a localized rash. The
Lyme disease rash begins as a pink or red circle at the site of tick attachment. This circle expands over time and may become several inches or larger. A classic bulls-eye appearance, with concentric rings, appears in some people.
The Lyme disease rash generally occurs 1 to 2 weeks after the tick bite, but ranges from 3 days to 30 days. The rash may develop without any other symptoms, or it may be associated with:
✅
| Headache
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✅ | Chills
|
✅ | Fever
|
✅ | Fatigue |
✅ | Swollen glands, usually in the neck or groin |
✅
| Aches and pains in the muscles or joints |
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is spread by ticks. Despite the name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever currently occurs mostly in other regions of the United States, including North and South Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever infection
Most people get a red, dot-like rash that begins on the wrists and ankles and spreads toward the center of the body. Children are especially vulnerable. Symptoms may present with faint rashes also in palms and soles or no rash at all.
In addition to a rash, other symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever may include severe headache, fever, muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea or vomiting.
Prompt treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever infection is critical. Without diagnosis and the start effective antibiotic therapy in the first 5 days, it is often fatal.
Powassan virus
Since 2004, when
Powassan virus infection began to be tracked, many cases have been
reported from April to December.
This disease is transmitted mainly by the deer tick. The transmission can occur as quickly as 15 minutes after the tick is attached.
Symptoms of Powassan virus infection
Although the majority of people who get sick with Powassan virus infection are older adults with brain swelling, an infant of 5 months of age was reported in 2016. This child began having fever and vomiting followed by seizures.
How to reduce the risk of illnesses spread by insects & ticks
Children need and love to be
outdoors. The chance of your children becoming infected by insects and ticks is quite low, especially when you take steps to reduce the risk of bites.
It is important to prevent ticks from attaching to the skin by using
repellents or wearing permethrin-treated clothing.
If your child is exposed to ticks, it is very important to:
✅Check for any ticks on the skin.
✅Remove clothing and promptly shower to help remove any non-attached ticks.
(Also see "How to Remove a Tick.")
Remember
If your child has a bug bite and shows symptoms of West Nile, La Cross, Zika, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan virus infection or other illnesses spread by
mosquitoes or
ticks, talk with your pediatrician.
More information
About Dr. Cohen-Abbo
 Alberto Cohen- Abbo, MD, FAAP, is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Infectious Diseases. Dr. Cohen-Abbo is an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics University of Connecticut, as well as well as an Attending Pediatrician and Chief of Pediatrics at First Choice Health Centers.
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