The Dangers of Mosquitoes

The Dangers of Mosquitoes

Attracted to stagnant bodies of water, mosquitoes are tiny, flying insects that are most well-known for their buzzing and biting. Though only females bite people, there are still enough of them to be plenty irritating. Aside from the itchy bump that a bite can produce, are there any real dangers of mosquitoes?

Typical Symptoms of Mosquito Bites

Though the aforementioned bump is the most common sign of a bite, there are a few other symptoms that could arise: spots that resemble bruising, blisters or swelling or redness. Children or others with compromised immune systems can also experience hives, gland swell or a small fever. Generally, the body acclimates to bites and symptoms reduce to only the bump. In cases of allergy, bites may cause anaphylaxis.

Severe Complications

Mosquitoes are known to carry several severe diseases which can be transmitted to humans. Some of the most common include:

• Malaria: Infects and destroys red blood cells. Can be treated if caught early enough.
• West Nile Virus: Though it mainly affects birds, humans bit by a mosquito carrying it may experience strong flu symptoms that last about 7 to 10 days, usually clearing on their own, with fatigue lasting weeks and swollen glands lasting up to two months. For some, the illness can develop in the nervous system.
• Zika Virus: Generally mild, symptoms can include fever, joint pain and rash, and will pass within a week.
• Yellow Fever: Virus that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
• Dengue Fever: This can trigger high fever, rash, muscle soreness and joint pain. In extreme cases, can lead to severe bleeding, shock or death. This is mostly a risk in tropical and subtropical climates.
• Chikungunya: Can lead to debilitating joint pain, but is rarely fatal.

Tough to Fight

The Center for Disease Control recommends using a repellent with DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or another active ingredient from an approved list. They also suggest covering up and using window/door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home. Once they have established a home, it can be nearly impossible to get rid of them.

Orange Environmental Services are the leaders in using Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, which is a new technology system that manages and eliminates pest infestations with both chemical and non-chemical treatments. For a fast and efficient solution to your problem, contact Orange Environmental today.

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