Close-up image of mosquito biting human skin to help illustrate mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquito-borne diseases
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yellow fever
Vaccination is recommended for yellow fever — a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes in areas of Africa, and Central and South America.
Zika virus
Learn more about the Zika virus, and why it's advisable for pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries with outbreaks.
