Mosquitoes have killed the most humans.
Mosquitoes, despite their small size, are responsible for transmitting diseases that result in an estimated 1,000,000 human deaths per year. This far surpasses the death toll caused by any other animal, including sharks, wolves, and even other humans (through homicide).
Here's a breakdown of the deadliest animals to humans per year:
| Animal | Humans killed per year |
|---|---|
| Mosquitoes | 1,000,000 |
| Humans (homicide) | 475,000 |
| Snakes | 50,000 |
The primary reason for mosquitoes' high mortality rate is their role as vectors for deadly diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. While some animals directly kill humans through attacks, mosquitoes indirectly cause far more deaths by spreading these diseases. Efforts to control mosquito populations and develop vaccines for mosquito-borne illnesses are ongoing but face significant challenges.
