Mosquitoes are a common nuisance in Ecuador, particularly in areas such as Cajas National Park where they thrive in the humid and tropical climate. These pesky insects are not only bothersome to visitors but also pose a serious health risk due to the presence of mosquito-borne diseases.

One of the most prevalent mosquito-borne diseases in Ecuador is dengue fever, which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and in severe cases, it can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Another significant concern in Cajas National Park is malaria, a potentially deadly disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness, and if left untreated, it can lead to complications such as organ failure and death.

Mosquito-borne diseases in the area

Further information