Mosquitoes!!!

Our last discussion detailed the prevention and treatment of Lyme Disease. As discussed, Lyme disease is spread by tick bites. Lyme Disease, however, is not the only infection we can contract during the summer and fall from an insect. Mosquitoes are known carriers for quite a few viruses that have caused major issues for quite a few seasons now.

Spread by a bite from an infected mosquito, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), West Nile Virus (WNV), and Zika virus are three of the most discussed viruses, but unfortunately, there are quite a few more. Although rare, these viruses can be lethal, mostly represented by fever, fatigue, and joint pain, serious complications can cause meningitis (infection of membranes that surround the brain) or encephalitis (infection of the brain). There are no treatments for these viruses. Symptom management, and if need be, hospitalization for supportive treatment may be required.

Prevention is the ideal way to avoid these nasty illnesses. You can try to control mosquitoes both inside and outside your home. Mosquitoes love dark humid areas and like to lay eggs near standing water.

For outside control, empty, scrub, cover, or throw out any items that can hold water like buckets, planters, toys, pools, or trash containers. Apply insect repellent and/or wear long sleeves to minimize skin exposure. Use an outdoor insect spray made to kill mosquitoes. Always follow the label instructions when using an insecticide.

For inside control, repair broken windows and door screens. Don’t leave outside doors open. Use air conditioning when possible. Use an indoor insect spray, as directed on the label, to kill mosquitoes where they rest.

With summer approaching these tips are not meant to cause concern, but rather, they are to help you stay cognizant of the potential dangers that are out there when enjoying the great outdoors.