Diseases spread by mosquito bites and how you can protect yourself
Here are four diseases transmitted from a mosquito bite to humans that people can avoid by repelling the insects.
Mississippi is home to venomous snakes, deadly spiders and giant alligators.
But there’s another pest in the state that’s considered the most deadly animal in the world, despite its small size.
Here’s what to know to stay safe, protect your home.
What is the world’s deadliest animal?
Last month, the CDC released an article calling the mosquito “the world’s deadliest animal.” Researchers said it’s responsible for killing more people than any other creature in the world through a variety of diseases.
What diseases do mosquitoes carry?
Mosquitoes are known to carry:
MalariaWest NileLymphatic filariasisEncephalitis (Eastern Equine, LaCrosse and St. Louis)DengueChikungunyaZika
Each disease has its own symptoms and severity, but more than one of these could be fatal.
How many people do mosquitoes kill?
According to the WHO, vector-borne diseases (those transmitted from animals like mosquitoes) lead to more than 700,000 deaths per year.
How many mosquitoes are in Mississippi?
There are 60 species of mosquitoes in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi State University Extension Office.
But the Mississippi State Department of Health says only three or four kinds transmit diseases to people.
How many people in Mississippi were infected by mosquitoes?
According to MDH, from 2020 through a Sept. 11, 2025 report, mosquitos have caused 141 West Nile infections in the state. There have been 14 mosquito-borne infections that are not West Nile, Chikungunya or Zika; that list does include all three kinds of Encephalitis.
Those totals include 10 deaths from mosquito-borne illnesses.
How to keep mosquitoes away from your house
Mosquitoes love standing water, so address anything that may collect water such as cups, tarps, open garbage cans, etc. Change water in birdbaths regularly. Old tires are particularly common larval habitats. Make sure any drainage ditches are free of overgrown grass or any other obstructions preventing the flow of water.
The MSU Extension service also recommends thick, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
“The less exposed skin, the less opportunity for mosquitoes to bite,” MSU wrote.
What are the best mosquito repellents to use?
According to the CDC, repellents with the following active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection:
DEETPicaridinOil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD: “Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus specifies that they should not to be used on children under the age of 3.”IR35352-undecanoneCan some plants repel mosquitoes?
While some residents have been told to plant marigolds, catnip, and other plants in their yard to repel mosquitoes, this doesn’t seem to be a full-proof plan. In a story by Consumer Reports, multiple entomologists acknowledged that plants like these may have chemical compounds that deter insects, but it won’t be enough to make any real impact.
Joel Coats from Iowa State University clarified that the compounds prevent insects from feeding on them, but those chemicals aren’t released into the air. Sarah Moore of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute said these plants wouldn’t even be effective if you rubbed their oils into your skin.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.