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Close-up image of mosquito biting human skin to help illustrate mosquito-borne diseases.

Close-up image of mosquito biting human skin to help illustrate mosquito-borne diseases.
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Mosquito-borne diseases

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Barmah Forest virus

This illness is transmitted by mosquitoes and found only in Australia. Learn about the symptoms of, and treatment options for, Barmah Forest virus.

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Chikungunya virus

Chikungunya virus is found mainly in Africa and Asia, so if you're travelling to these areas it's important to prevent mosquito bites.

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Dengue fever

This illness can feel like a bad case of flu. Dengue fever is found in tropical and sub-tropical areas in Africa, Asia, South America and Australia.

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Elephantiasis

Elephantiasis is a tropical disease spread by mosquito bites that can cause arms and legs to swell and the skin to become hard and thick.

Malaria

Malaria is a disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which causes an infection of the red blood cells.

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Murray Valley encephalitis

This rare illness is caused by a mosquito-borne virus found in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Learn about its symptoms and prevention.

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Ross River virus

Ross River virus is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, rash and joint pain. Most people recover in a few weeks. Learn more here.

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Yellow fever

Vaccination is recommended for yellow fever — a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes in areas of Africa, and Central and South America.

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Zika virus

Learn more about the Zika virus, and why it's advisable for pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries with outbreaks.

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