Which of the following is a potential health risk associated with midge populations?

Midges are small flying insects that can be a nuisance due to their bites, and one significant health risk associated with midge populations is the potential to exacerbate allergies. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to midge bites or even to the proteins found in their saliva. This can lead to various symptoms ranging from mild irritation and swelling to more severe allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals.

While other options may be related to different insect populations (such as mosquitoes being responsible for transmitting diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever), midge populations themselves are not typically linked to severe diseases but are more commonly associated with allergic responses in sensitive people. Therefore, allergies stand out as a pertinent concern regarding midge exposure.