Can you catch coronavirus from a mosquito?
(Image via Shutterstock)
By STHS Communications Department
There are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the
COVID-19 coronavirus, but as the weather warms up, residents of south Louisiana might find themselves asking one in particular:
Can I catch coronavirus from a mosquito?
The short answer, according to the World Health Organization: No – or, at least, not that we know of.
All together now: Whew.
Here’s the full WHO answer, for the intellectually curious:
To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
It is worth pointing out, however, that there are still a number of diseases mosquitoes do carry, so you should still take measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from them.
Find daily updates on COVID-19 in St. Tammany Parish at stph.org/COVID-19.