Which illness is commonly transmitted by mosquitoes?

Encephalitis is a neurological condition that is frequently transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly those of the genus Aedes and Culex. Mosquitoes can act as vectors for various viruses that cause encephalitis, such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis. These viruses typically reside in the blood of infected birds and other animals, and when mosquitoes feed on their blood, they can acquire and subsequently transmit the virus to humans through their bites.

In contrast, typhus fever, shigellosis, and salmonella are not transmitted by mosquitoes. Typhus fever is primarily spread by lice, fleas, or mites, often in unsanitary conditions. Shigellosis and salmonella are bacterial infections that are commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water, rather than through insect vectors. Understanding the transmission routes for different illnesses is crucial for effective public health interventions and disease prevention strategies.