Common Mosquito Diseases

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Malaria

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Malaria is an acute illness characterized by fever caused by Plasmodium parasites. While locally transmitted cases in the US have been limited, the potential risk exists in areas with warm temperatures, humidity, and more rainfall. In June 2023, confirmed malaria cases in the United States were identified as the Plasmodium vivax strain. The primary mode of transmission is through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. However, since the malaria parasite can be present in the red blood cells of an infected person, transmission can also occur through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or shared use of contaminated needles or syringes.

Symptoms of malaria typically manifest 10 to 15 days after an infected mosquito bite and include fever, headache, and chills. Recognizing these symptoms can be challenging as they may be mild. Fortunately, malaria is both preventable and treatable with antimalarial medications.

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Zika Virus

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The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Common symptoms include joint pain, fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. The illness is generally mild, with only one in five people displaying symptoms. Severe illness or fatalities are rare.

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However, Zika symptoms can go unnoticed and can be transmitted from human to human through sexual contact or from mother to unborn baby. Cases have been reported in the United States since 2015.

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West Nile

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West Nile is a prevalent mosquito-borne virus in North America, reported in all continental US states. In 2017, 2,002 cases were recorded, with 67% classified as neuroinvasive diseases like meningitis or encephalitis.

Symptoms of West Nile virus (WNV) are relatively uncommon, with 8 out of 10 infected individuals remaining asymptomatic. Those who do experience symptoms may have headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. While people of all ages can contract the illness, individuals over 60 and those with pre-existing health conditions are most vulnerable. WNV recovery times range from weeks to months, and unfortunately, no vaccine currently exists.

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Chikungunya

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Chikungunya, pronounced chik-en-gun-ye, is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Symptoms, which appear three to seven days post-bite, often include fever and joint pain. Headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash have also been reported.

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While chikungunya is not typically fatal, it can be debilitating. The virus was first reported in the Americas in the Caribbean in 2013, posing a higher risk to travelers in this region who are encouraged to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay indoors to prevent infection.

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Dengue Fever

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Dengue fever is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito, primarily the Aedes aegypti. More than one-third of the world's population is at risk of contracting the dengue virus. It is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, making international travelers more susceptible. Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint pain, muscle pain, bone pain, rash, or mild bleeding. No specific medication exists for dengue, and infected individuals should seek medical attention, manage symptoms with pain relievers, and stay hydrated.

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Eastern Equine Encephalitis

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Eastern Equine Encephalitis, often referred to as Triple E or EEE, is a rare vector-borne disease without available vaccines or treatments. Cases are reported annually from Michigan to Massachusetts, with most occurring in Gulf Coast states. Those unfortunate enough to contract EEE from an infected mosquito experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. A third of those infected do not survive, and survivors often suffer ongoing neurologic issues.

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Common Tick Diseases

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In addition to mosquitoes, ticks can pose a significant threat to your family's health. Tick-borne diseases have doubled in the last 13 years, constituting over 60 percent of all vector-borne diseases. Ticks have become a widespread issue across the United States. Recognize the telltale signs of illnesses transmitted by ticks to safeguard yourself and your family.

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Lyme Disease

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Lyme disease is a prevalent ailment affecting individuals in many parts of the United States. The northeastern, midwestern, and Pacific coast regions pose the highest risk. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, Lyme disease can advance to affect joints, the heart, and the nervous system. However, early antibiotic treatment can lead to a full recovery.

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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease transmitted by the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick. Cases are reported throughout the United States, with higher prevalence in North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and appetite loss are common RMSF symptoms. Nearly all patients develop a rash within two to four days of fever onset. Early symptoms are non-specific, making immediate medical attention crucial. While RMSF can be treated with antibiotics, untreated cases can escalate to life-threatening conditions.

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Risk Factors for Mosquito and Tick Diseases

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Proximity remains the primary risk factor for bites from disease-carrying ticks or mosquitoes. Your risk increases if diseases like West Nile virus are prevalent in your area or if you travel to regions with malaria or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever outbreaks. Spending extended periods outdoors, especially in wooded or natural areas, heightens the likelihood of tick and mosquito bites. Additionally, your blood type may attract these pests. Even staying close to home can attract ticks and mosquitoes if your property features stagnant water, overgrown grass, or other factors. Individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of illness from bug bites.

 

Preventing Mosquito and Tick Bites

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Effective mosquito protection and tick prevention require a combination of approaches. First, reduce factors that attract pests to your property. Making your home and garden less inviting to pests is fundamental to successful pest control. After eliminating these attractions, consider incorporating pest-repelling plants into your yard and encouraging natural pest predators. You can also use topical insect repellents and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Light-colored clothing is less appealing to mosquitoes, and ticks are more visible on white fabrics than dark ones.

Treatment and Management of Mosquito and Tick Diseases

Vector-borne diseases, transmitted through arthropod bites, such as mosquitoes and ticks, share many common symptoms. If you or a family member displays symptoms of a vector-borne disease, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms include:

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• Fever

• Headache

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

• Muscle pain

• Rash

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Stiff neck

• Paralysis

 

While tick-borne diseases may be treated with powerful antibiotics like Doxycycline and Rifampin, specific medical treatments for mosquito-borne diseases are currently unavailable. However, doctors can manage symptoms to enhance comfort and prevent disease progression.

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Protecting Yourself from Mosquito and Tick Diseases

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Mosquito and tick populations are expanding and spreading throughout the United States, leading to a rise in vector-borne diseases. Fortunately, several measures can help protect you, your family, and your pets:

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• Minimize stagnant water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

• Regularly clear birdbaths, toys, kiddie pools, and gardening equipment of standing water.

• Remove trash and leaf litter from your yard, as ticks tend to hide in these areas.

• Plant pest-repelling plants.

• Keep your lawn well-mowed.

• Erect fences to deter animals like deer and raccoons from entering your yard.

• Utilize topical insect repellents.

• Bathe pets with flea and tick shampoo.

• Employ pest-repelling candles, torches, or coils.

• Stay informed about pest migration and control developments.

• Consider professional pest control services.

 

Remember that effective mosquito protection and tick prevention plans incorporate multiple pest control strategies.

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Choose Mosquito Joe for Pest-free Outdoor Enjoyment

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By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of dangerous pests carrying diseases. Mosquito Joe offers an extra layer of defense for your family, working to eliminate fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes from your property. Trust the experts at Mosquito Joe to keep your home and garden pest-free. We provide customized pest control solutions for residential and commercial properties across the country. All our work is backed by the Mountain Services Done Right Promise™ and the Mountain Mosquito Satisfaction Guarantee. Request a quote via our online form or call us at 208-590-7702 to bid farewell to ticks and mosquitoes!