Most of us identify mosquitoes with irritating, itching bumps on our skin. A mosquito bite can do a lot more than just itch, however. Mosquitoes can spread various harmful diseases, some of them lethal. Learn about the diseases mosquitoes carry and some practical mosquito control strategies to keep mosquitoes away.
Mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus was originally detected in Uganda in 1937 and moved into Europe, the Middle East, and central Asia. It initially arrived in North America in 1999 in New York. In that year, seven people and nine horses died from West Nile Virus. By 2014, there were more than 35,000 documented cases of West Nile Virus, with more than 1,500 reported deaths.
West Nile Virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes but is transmitted to mammals and humans by infected mosquitoes. West Nile Fever is a moderate infection with flu-like symptoms like weariness, headaches, fever, or a rash that often lasts longer than 30 days. Three other varieties of West Nile Virus are called neuroinvasive illnesses, which means the nerve system is impacted. West Nile encephalitis affects the brain.
Fewer than 1 percent of West Nile cases progress into anything more serious than flu-like symptoms, while 70-80 percent of patients never exhibit any symptoms at all.
Mosquitoes Carry Zika Virus
The initial detection of the Zika virus was in macaque monkeys in the Zika Forest region of Uganda in 1947. In the continental U.S., there have been more than 4,000 documented cases of Zika virus from travel and 139 local infections as of October 26, 2016.
Most patients with Zika report moderate symptoms, like rashes, fever, and joint pain. Many people never feel sick enough to seek treatment. Thus, it becomes difficult to count occurrences of Zika precisely. The main hazard is to kids in the womb. When a pregnant woman is infected with Zika, her unborn baby may develop microcephaly, a congenital disorder of cranium and brain size that causes serious neurological abnormalities in newborns that typically result in death.
Mosquitoes Carry Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is an arboviral disease occurring in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It is infrequently found in the continental U.S., but it has shown up in Texas and Florida in recent years. More than 400 million individuals are infected each year, and roughly 22,000 people die annually from dengue. Dengue fever manifests itself as a headache, fever, and body soreness.
Mosquitoes Carry Malaria
While local exposure to malaria hasn’t occurred in America in 100 years, malaria is still a serious hazard throughout the world, especially in Africa. Malaria is an ancient disease, with the Chinese discussing it in 2,700 BC. An incredible 300 to 500 million malaria cases in the world are recorded each year.
DDT, air conditioners, and window screens have reduced its transmission worldwide, leaving tropical areas the most exposed. Approximately 1,500 US people develop the disease each year while traveling. Antimalarial medications are available, though.
Mosquitoes Carry Yellow Fever
Yellow fever was originally detected 400 years ago and is found largely in South America and Africa, with 200,000 cases worldwide each year. The sickness involves fever, chills, significant headaches, and muscle aches. Occasionally, mortality happens; however, there is a vaccine, which has dramatically reduced the instances.
Other mosquito-borne infections include Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, LaCrosse Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis, dog heartworm, and Chikungunya.
Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
While most of the above mosquito-borne diseases are uncommon in America, travel occasionally brings them to our shores. Protect yourself by getting correct immunizations before travel and doing what you can to prevent mosquito bites both while traveling and at home.
Keep mosquitoes away from your home by removing standing water, mending gaps in your screens, and remaining indoors between dawn and dusk in the warmer months. Hire a mosquito control provider to monitor and prevent mosquito activity in your yard and house. Barefoot Mosquito delivers the most effective way of mosquito control available.
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