Can Mosquitoes Spread COVID-19? 

The new Coronavirus, that is known as Covid-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China and has since spread at a rapid speed, killing thousands and infecting almost a million people.  This is a new virus and not the same as the coronaviruses that circulate among people that cause mild diseases such as the common cold. Some of the coronavirus’s cause illness in humans, others are in animals such as cattle, cats, camels, and bats.  It is not 100% known where this particular virus came from.

Mosquitoes are the deadliest species and known for transmitting diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus and Dengue Fever.

But what about coronaviruses like COVID-19? Can they transmit this disease by biting a sick person and giving it to another?

First, you have to ask how is the Coronavirus transmitted?

This virus is spread from someone infected with Covid-19 through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects. 

Now, if a mosquito bites a person who has Zika virus in the bloodstream, that mosquito may then be able to transmit the virus to another person. In this case, the virus is “vector-borne” and NOT considered “person-person” transmission. 

According to Trident Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lee Biggs: “We’ve not seen any data that links transmission of coronaviruses via an entity like mosquitoes. That’s not to say that we won’t,”

The American Mosquito Control Association says for a virus to pass through mosquitoes or ticks to people, the virus must be able to replicate inside the mosquito.

Thankfully the CDC and WHO have no evidence that’s happening with COVID-19.

Dr. Lee Biggs said, “We don’t have any data that tells us the seasonal flu is also potentiated by mosquitoes even though flu season extends into when we’d see more mosquito problems. 

However, if you have been infected with any mosquito-borne disease, that would weaken your immune system and potentially have more chances of catching the virus and having more severe complications.

What are Covid-19 symptoms?

Patients may have a fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and other symptoms.

In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.

How long does the Virus stay on the surface?

Studies suggest that coronaviruses may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions and on different surfaces. (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a common household disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

 

Read more about Mosquitoes with Pestrol:

The Best Ways To Repel Mosquitoes >
Mosquito bites, treatment, prevention and the latest news >
Mosquito-borne diseases in Australia >
The Best Mosquito Traps and How They Work >
Can Mosquitoes Spread Covid-19 Virus? >
Top 10 Tips For Outdoor Mosquito Problems >
What does la nina mean for mosquito plague? >