Top 3 Diseases that Mosquitoes Can Carry
There is a lot that is annoying about mosquitoes. These blood-sucking insects create an itchy bite that most people throughout the world have experienced at least once. The main problem with mosquitoes is the fact that they can carry many different diseases.
Mosquitoes can potentially carry a number of serious diseases. Viruses, parasites, and bacterial diseases can all be spread by mosquitoes. There are over 3500 species of mosquitoes in the world. The good news is that only certain species of mosquito carry each disease. The bad news is that most people can’t tell the species of mosquito apart without a microscope.
Proper mosquito control by a respected company like Barefoot Pest Control in Waldorf, MD, is the only way to ensure your home and yard remain mosquito-free.
Top three diseases that mosquitoes can carry
While mosquitoes can carry a lot of different diseases, only a few are common in the United States. The viruses West Nile, Zika, and Dengue can all be transmitted by mosquito species in the U.S. That is why it is so important to understand the symptoms and risk factors of these mosquito-borne diseases.
1. West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is the number one mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It causes fever in 1/5 of those infected. Most people who are infected with West Nile will have no symptoms at all. One out of every hundred and fifty people will develop a serious version of the virus that can be fatal.
2. Zika Virus
The Zika virus has gotten a lot of press over the last few years. It made headlines in 2015 and 2016 when an epidemic of the disease occurred in North and South America. We know that the Aedes species mosquito spreads this disease. There was no reported occurrence of the Zika virus in the United States in the 2018-2019 season.
Like West Nile virus, most people who are infected with the Zika virus have no symptoms. Deaths because of the Zika virus are very rare. There is a known link between the virus and birth defects, however. So, pregnant women need to be very careful when traveling to areas with known Zika outbreaks.
3. Dengue Virus
Dengue viruses are also spread by the Aedes mosquito species. There are four different strains of the Dengue virus (1, 2, 3, and 4). Dengue affects over 100 countries throughout the world. Hot and humid locations in the U.S. could have a Dengue outbreak; although, the virus is more common in Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Approximately a quarter of the people who contract Dengue have symptoms. These symptoms include fever, aches, pains, and a rash. Most people will have a mild case of Dengue, but severe symptoms are life-threatening.
How to get rid of mosquitoes
Clearly, it is important to take precautions during mosquito season. In Waldorf, many of the viruses associated with mosquitos are very uncommon. But there may still be outbreaks of West Nile, Dengue, or even Zika. Wearing long clothes and using bug repellent are great ways to protect yourself from a mosquito bite.
The best way to keep safe is to remove as many mosquitoes as possible from your home and yard. That is where Barefoot Pest Control comes into the picture. Let out experts address your mosquito problems right away. We provide a great pest control experience and guarantee our mosquito-removal services.
Call us today and you will receive same-day service and an inspection and estimate for free.