Viruses With Humans And Mosquitoes As The Only Host Animals

Unlike other medically important viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, humans and two Florida mosquito species are the only host animals for dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Besides being transmitted by the same two mosquitoes, these viruses have very similar symptoms, lack vaccines or medications to prevent infection and require the same mosquito control measures to reduce the potential of virus transmission. The mosquitoes that transmit these viruses bite primarily during daylight hours.

Chikungunya Virus (Chikv)

Chikungunya virus, an African virus, was first reported in the Americas in late 2013. Chikungunya is an infectious disease with symptoms that typically include fever and severe joint pain.  Like dengue, it is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and the symptoms of exposure are very similar as well .  In 2014, Florida reported 11 locally transmitted cases, 4 of which occurred in St. Lucie County. No locally transmitted cases were seen in Florida during 2015, though 75 cases among travelers were reported.