Do Mosquitoes Carry Lyme Disease?

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors especially in wooded areas or near tall grass you’ve probably heard of Lyme disease. This bacterial infection can be transmitted to humans through tick bites its symptoms range from mild to severe. While ticks are the primary carriers of Lyme disease there’s been some concern among outdoors enthusiasts that mosquitoes might also be capable of transmitting the illness. So do mosquitoes carry Lyme disease?

The Short Answer

While mosquitoes are capable of carrying a wide range of diseases Lyme disease is not one of them. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease called Borrelia burgdorferi are only found in the gut of certain species of ticks. As such mosquitoes cannot become infected with Lyme disease cannot pass it on to humans.

Other Diseases Carried by Mosquitoes

Just because mosquitoes can’t carry Lyme disease doesn’t mean they’re not a threat to your health. Mosquitoes are infamous for transmitting a variety of illnesses including:

• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Zika virus
• West Nile virus
• Yellow fever

These diseases can have serious consequences so it’s important to take measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites when you’re spending time outdoors. Wearing long-sleeved shirts pants using insect repellent avoiding standing water (where mosquitoes breed) can all help reduce your risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness.

Preventing Lyme Disease

While mosquitoes can’t transmit Lyme disease ticks certainly can. If you’re spending time in wooded areas you should take steps to prevent tick bites including:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts pants
• Using insect repellent that contains DEET
• Staying on hiking trails avoiding tall grass brush
• Checking your body clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors

If you do find a tick on your body remove it as quickly as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Clean the area with soap water monitor the site for any signs of a rash or other symptoms of Lyme disease. Most people who contract Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics but it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the disease from progressing.

The Bottom Line

While mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases Lyme disease is not one of them. If you’re concerned about contracting Lyme disease focus on preventing tick bites checking yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors. By taking these steps you can reduce your risk of contracting this potentially serious illness.