Another disease carried by mosquitoes is encephalitis. It causes an infection or swelling of the brain.
Many different viruses cause different kinds of the disease. One virus lives naturally in birds and
horses. Mosquitoes spread it to people. Mosquitoes in several Asian countries spread a kind of
encephalitis known as Japanese encephalitis. A vaccine can prevent this sickness.
Other kinds of encephalitis include West Nile, Saint Louis and Eastern Equine. Most healthy people
infected with the virus show no signs. Or they become sick for only a day or two. But those with weak
natural defenses may develop a severe infection. They may suffer from high body temperature, head
pain, shaking and even death.
Experts have learned many things about mosquitoes. For example, the insects can smell carbon
dioxide in the breath of a person or animal from as far away as sixty meters. Mosquitoes often like the
blood of animals better than the blood of people.
The insects also like dark colors. They do not bite women who are bleeding during their fertility period.
But they do bite pregnant women. Many kinds of mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and
early evening. They eat mostly at night.
Experts say the best way to prevent the diseases carried by mosquitoes is not to be bitten by one.
There are several ways to prevent mosquito bites. Do not keep standing water anywhere near your
home.
Remove all containers that could provide a place for mosquitoes to live. Stay in an enclosed area
when mosquitoes are most active. Wear clothes that cover most of the body.
Other ways to prevent mosquito bites are to put anti-insect products on the skin, clothing and sleeping
areas. Also, place nets treated with insect poison on windows and over the bed at night.