Can Mosquitoes Transmit Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Mosquito season is here, and while many people are spending more time outside this year than ever before, a new concern is rising. Mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as Malaria, West Nile and Zika virus, so the question many are asking now is, can mosquitoes transmit COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the answer is, it’s unlikely. Official guidance from the WHO says that at this time, there has been “no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.”

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a respiratory virus. This means transmission occurs primarily through droplets that are generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or otherwise releases saliva or discharge into the air.

For a mosquito to become infected with the virus and be able to spread it to humans, the virus must first be present in the blood on which the mosquito feeds. Because SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is respiratory in nature, it is almost exclusively contained to the lungs and respiratory tract, very rarely entering the blood.

Genetics also comes into play. While there are some viruses that have been able to replicate within mosquitoes and affect both these insects and humans, no coronavirus has ever been shown to make that jump.

So, while mosquitoes may continue to be a summertime nuisance, it doesn’t seem likely that you should worry about getting COVID-19 from their bites. However, it is still important to take precautions against insect bites, as the disease threats that existed before COVID-19 remain.

When it comes to coronavirus, the WHO along with the CDC recommend frequent and thorough hand hygiene, use of face coverings or masks, and the adherence of social distancing to protect yourself from infection.

Learn more about COVID-19 with Baptist Health

Baptist Health is your central place for information, guidance and recommendations related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Stay current with the latest updates at BaptistHealth.com/COVID19 or explore our library of COVID-19 articles.

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