When people mention deadly animals, for many, venomous snakes or large cats are first to come to mind. But, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, [CDC], has a different perspective.
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An article released by the CDC last month calls mosquitos the world’s deadliest animal, specifically noting that the insect kills more people than any other creature in the world.
How many people do mosquitoes kill?
According to the WHO, vector-borne diseases, which are transmitted from animals like mosquitoes, lead to more than 700,000 deaths per year.
A mosquito on a human leg on Tuesday, Aug 6, 2024, in East Lansing.
What diseases do mosquitoes carry?
Mosquitoes are known to carry malaria, West Nile, lymphatic filariasis, dengue, chikungunya and zika. All these diseases can be found in the United States, but popularity depends on a number of factors, such as the area you live in.
While these diseases vary in symptoms and severity, many of them can become fatal in certain cases.
How many mosquitoes types are in New Jersey?
Over 3,700 types of mosquitoes can be found worldwide. Over 60 of those types can be found in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that there are 64 types of mosquitoes currently on New Jersey’s checklist. Most of the 64 rely on blood meals from suitable animal hosts, including humans, to reproduce.
Mosquitoes thrive in warm environments. For New Jersey, this runs from late spring through fall, usually lasting until the hard frost begins in late fall.
How many people in New Jersey have gotten sick from mosquitoes?
Although serious mosquito-borne diseases are not commonly reported in New Jersey, they still do occur.
West Nile virus is the most popular mosquito-borne disease in the state, with 435 cases from 1999 to 2024. In 2024, 41 residents reported having West Nile virus. Eight of the 41 died.
Most West Nile cases occur between mid-August and mid-September, but this year the first detection occurred in April. To date, West Nile virus has been detected in 776 mosquito pools and in every New Jersey county.
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According to the New York Times, about 100 cases of malaria are reported annually in New Jersey, but they tend to come from people who have recently traveled internationally.
In August 2025, a malaria case was reported by a New Jersey resident who had not traveled anywhere. This suggested that the disease may have been contracted locally. Health officials said it would be the first known instance in decades of someone contracting the disease while remaining in the state.
How to keep mosquitoes away from you and your house
Mosquitoes love standing water, so be cautious of anything outside your house that may collect water. This includes cups, tarps or open garbage cans. Make sure any drainage ditches are free of overgrown grass or any other obstructions preventing the flow of water.
Some clothing choices can also affect mosquito activity. Mosquitoes are less attracted to light-colored clothing and can bite through lightweight, tight-fitting clothes.
The CDC states that repellents with the following active ingredients typically provide better protection:
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD. Note products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus specifies that the product should not be used on children ages three or under.
Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@gannettnj.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: World’s deadliest animal found all over NJ, according to the CDC