Which type of agents primarily cause mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan?

Mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan, as in many other regions, are primarily caused by viruses. These viruses are transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Notable examples of mosquito-borne viruses in Michigan include West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.

Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms, and many, like those causing mosquito-borne diseases, are specifically adapted to their mosquito vectors. This transmission cycle is crucial for the virus's life cycle and spread among populations.

While other agents, such as bacteria, parasites, and fungi, can impact health, they are not the primary drivers of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in the state. Understanding the role of viruses helps in implementing targeted mosquito control measures and public health strategies to reduce the incidence of these diseases.