MOSQUITOS
What you don't know could hurt you.
In the United States, we tend to be less aware of the deadly role of mosquitoes because we control their population to a great extent. Still, on average, over 1,000 Americans annually experience serious illness or death as a result of a mosquito bite.
To be fair, the mosquito by itself is not the danger. The problem is the bacteria and other parasites carried by the mosquito. The mosquito is simply the delivery mechanism for the parasite – just as a gun is the delivery mechanism for a bullet (except, this gun sucks your blood even when it’s not loaded).
The red, itchy bump at the site of a mosquito bite is your body’s reaction to the mosquito’s saliva – a reaction that occurs regardless of a parasite’s presence.
west nile virus
West Nile virus is a serious disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Every year hundreds of cases are reported, and possibly many hundreds more go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The disease can present in a mild fever form or a severe encephalitic form.
Quick West Nile virus background.
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West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-strand RNA virus of the familyFlaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, spread from birds to mosquitoes to humans.
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In rare instances, West Nile has been transmitted via blood transfusion and organ transplant.Transmission of the virus from mother to fetus or through breastfeeding is being evaluated. Talk to your physician if you are infected and pregnant or breastfeeding.
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West Nile virus cannot be spread from human to human except in the rare and unusual circumstances above.
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Symptoms usually appear 3-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
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Individuals over age 50 are more likely to develop the severe form of the disease.
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Blood donations are screened for West Nile virus before being distributed.
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The CDC is helping states develop and implement mosquito-control measures to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus.
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West Nile virus can kill birds, though most survive infection. If you find a dead bird, do not handle it.
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Pets can also become infected with West Nile virus.
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Horses can become infected. The horse mortality rate is 40%. According to the CDC, there is a vaccine available from veterinarians for horses.
encephalitis
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. It is among the most serious conditions linked to mosquitoes and afflicts over 100 Americans annually. (There is also a tick-borne Powassan virus that has been shown to lead to encephalitis in some instances.)
The diseases of major concern in the U.S. for mosquito-borne encephalitis are:
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Eastern equine encephalitis
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La Crosse encephalitis
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St. Louis encephalitis
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West Nile virus encephalitis
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Western equine encephalitis
All the aforementioned diseases start as a virus which usually resolves itself. The greater danger occurs only if the virus worsens. In this case, the virus can invade the Central Nervous System and cause encephalitis. At that point, the disease can take a deadly course. Even those who survive are often left with permanent neurological damage. Age plays a factor, with the very young and the very old more likely to experience permanent brain damage or death
videos
IN THE NEWS
- Third West Nile virus death confirmed in Dallas County | wfaa.com Dallas - Fort Worth
- Mosquitos Test Positive for West Nile in Houston Area.
West Nile Hospitalizes Houston Woman
Officials: West Nile Virus on the Rise in Texas
Mosquitos blamed for increase in heartworm cases
MOSQUITO FACTS
- There are over 3,000 mosquito species worldwide
- Over 150 mosquito species inhabit the U.S.
- - A relatively small number of species transmit dangerous disease
- Only adult female mosquitoes bite
- A female mosquito needs one blood meal for every batch of eggs she produces
- - Mosquitoes feed on nectar, plant juices and decaying plant material
- -All mosquitoes have 4 distinct life stages: egg,larva, pupa, adult
-Mosquito eggs require water to hatch into successful larvae
- -Mosquito eggs can survive up to 7 years before hatching
- -With a 100% survival rate, a single mosquito could be responsible for over 1 billion mosquito descendants in under a month