Sick of Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can be more than just pesky. Some mosquitoes carry diseases that can cause serious illness. A bite from an infected mosquito isn’t always a problem – some people may not get ill at all, and others may have fever and flu-like symptoms. However, in rare instances, the illnesses can be severe, causing long-term consequences or even death.

There is concern that climate change will likely lead to mosquito-borne diseases typically found in tropical countries becoming a greater risk in Canada in the years ahead.

“Mosquito epidemics are driven by weather patterns,” explains Dr. Robbin Lindsay, Senior Research Scientist Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Lab (NML). “Weather variability may result in a northward spread of mosquito-borne diseases and could potentially facilitate the range expansion of new mosquito species that carry exotic mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus, Dengue or Chikungunya.” ¹

In the past, protection was limited to preventive strategies like bug repellents and mosquito nets. Now we have also vaccines to help keep us safe from 3 mosquito-borne viruses: Chikungunya ², Japanese Encephalitis ³, and Yellow Fever ⁴ So far, these have only affected Canadians after travelling internationally.

Of these 3 vaccine preventable mosquito-borne diseases, chikungunya has been the most common, with at least one travel-related case noted in most Canadian provinces in 2014. Chikungunya infection comes on suddenly, with a quickly rising fever and chills, as well as severe joint pain and a flushing rash, as well as flu-like symptoms. The joint pain and fatigue become chronic in 43% of people who develop severe CHIKV. And although it can be diagnosed with blood test, it may be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed due to its vague symptoms. ⁵

Did you know? The name “chikungunya” comes from the word for “becoming contorted” in the African Kimakonde language, and describes the stooped appearance of those who suffer from persistent joint pain related to this disease. ⁵

Japanese Encephalitis is rare in travellers, but can be fatal in 20-30% of those who get it. ³ And severe Yellow Fever can lead internal bleeding, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and organ failure in about 15% of patients, half of whom will die within 10-14 days. ⁴

The areas of greatest risk of CHIKV include Africa, Asia, as well as North and South America, where more than 3 million cases had been reported as of September 2020. Chikungunya has also occurred in Mexico and the Caribbean. ⁶

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is found in southern and eastern parts of Asia, and in Oceania. ³ Yellow Fever is found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, and Central and South America. ⁴

Get Vaccine Protection

To protect against:

Japanese Encephalitis (JE), IXIARO^® is the only vaccine authorized for use in Canada. Two shots administered 28 days apart achieves at least 95% level of antibody production. ³
Yellow Fever, a single shot of the vaccine Stamaril will provide long-term or for some, lifelong immunity. (Some countries have vaccination entry requirements.) In Canada, the vaccine is available only at designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. ⁴
Chikungunya, Health Canada recently approved IXCHIQ® (Valneva) for prevention of CHIKV in individuals 18 years of age and older, based on results of a pivotal Phase 3 study. A single dose of IXCHIQ® vaccine showed a 98.9% level of antibody production at 28 days, and this immune response was sustained for six months in 96.3% of both younger and older adults. ²

Planning to travel?

Be prepared! Find out where mosquito-borne viruses occur, and if there have been any recent outbreaks near your destination. Most importantly, consult your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or travel-health specialist and get all the vaccinations you need 6-8 weeks in advance. Some destinations may require proof of vaccination.

Check out a world map showing areas at high-risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Don’t let the bugs bite!

Check for more tips and resources.

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This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your doctor. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.