Mosquitoes are a real nuisance in the summer. It seems like you can’t even step outside without these bothersome insects swarming around your face and body and biting you everywhere skin is exposed. You’ll come back inside covered in small, itchy welts.
But mosquitoes can be much more than a nuisance. They can actually be dangerous if they are carrying disease – and many of them do. Mosquitoes may bite an infected person or animal and then may transmit that disease by biting you. Not only can mosquitoes harm you and your family, but they can also harm your pets or livestock.
Here are just some of the diseases that mosquitoes can carry and transmit:
The West Nile Virus has been in the news on an off over the last several years. It first hit the United States in the late 90s in New York, and it has spread rapidly to all areas of the country. The virus started in birds, and it has spread to other birds and to humans through mosquito bites. For most people, the disease results in fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, and body aches. However, some people are at risk of severe reactions and even death.
The fatality rate for West Nile Virus is less than 1 percent, but the virus still poses a risk you should take seriously.
Because of the name, you may be surprised to know tat Eastern Equine Encephalitis is also transmitted by birds. It gets the name “equine” because horses are a dead-end host, like humans, meaning that they cannot transmit it to anyone else once they have it. Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, is the deadliest disease that can be spread by mosquitoes. It has a 30 percent fatality rate.
Even if you survive having EEE, you may suffer from mental disability or paralysis. Some initial symptoms of the disease include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, fever, headache, irritability, and convulsions. It’s important that you seek medical treatment as soon as you notice symptoms.
The Zika Virus has mostly spread through Africa and Asia, but it has appeared in the United States, and it can be deadly. Zika is spread through mosquito bites. Once a person is infected, they can also spread it through unprotected sexual intercourse or blood transfusion. A pregnant woman can also pass the virus onto her baby, which can cause birth defects.
The symptoms of Zika Virus are similar to those of other mosquito-born illnesses, including fever, rash, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and red eyes. Though most people don’t die from Zika infection, those with compromised immune systems, including the very young and the elderly, are at risk of death. Babies exposed to it in the womb can also suffer serious birth defects.
Birds are at the root of this disease spread by mosquitoes, as well. St. Louis Encephalitis After a mosquito spreads the infection, it maybe five to 15 days before you experience symptoms, which are usually mild. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, and you can have symptoms for several days to a week.
If the infection becomes serious, more severe symptoms will develop, such as a stiff neck, tremors, confusion, disorientation, and vertigo. The elderly are most at risk of developing serious symptoms. Overall, the fatality rate is low, but it becomes much higher with older patients.
Mosquitoes can seriously threaten the health of your family and even some of your animals. It’s important that you stay aware of the signs and symptoms of infection, as well as that you take preventive measures against these diseases. Many mosquito-borne diseases do not have a vaccine. However, you can hire a Phoenix pest control company to develop a pest control plan to keep mosquitoes away from your property and your family With regular pest services, you can minimize your risk of developing any of these potentially serious diseases spread by mosquitoes.
The expert Phoenix pest control technicians at Varsity Termite and Pest Control can help you. We have years of experience in treating all kinds of mosquitoes common to the Phoenix area, and we know the right strategies and products to use to keep your home safe. Contact us in Phoenix to learn about your pest control options or to schedule an estimate or service for your property.
Published By:
Varsity Termite and Pest Control – Gary Dobert
6056 E Baseline Rd #122
Mesa, AZ85206
Office: 602-757-8252
Website: https://staging.varsitytermiteandpestcontrol.com
Gary is the co-owner of Varsity Termite and Pest Control, a family owned and operated company in Arizona with over 21 years of experience. They specialize in termite and scorpion control services.
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