There is no denying that mosquitoes are annoying pests that can quickly put an end to outside fun with their itchy bites. The fact that they are so annoying is often enough to inspire homeowners to take action and figure out a way to reduce their presence. But, there is a much more important reason to protect your home and your family from mosquitoes. These small pests have the ability to spread some very serious illnesses to humans. Three of the most well-known and scary diseases they can spread include West Nile Virus, Zika, and Malaria.
West Nile Virus
In the United States, West Nile Virus has become the most common mosquito-borne virus spread to humans. Mosquitoes get this virus from biting infected birds and then they can potentially spread it to humans. West Nile Virus can impact people in various ways. Some who contract the virus have little to no serious symptoms. Others may experience non-life threatening symptoms like fever, body aches, disorientation, diarrhea, stiff neck, headache, joint pain, and tremors. There is a small amount of people who contract West Nile Virus that develop potentially fatal effects. Less than 1 percent of people who get West Nile Virus have it spread to their brain which can develop into encephalitis or meningitis. When West Nile Virus is fatal it is because it progressed into one of these dangerous conditions. Serious reactions to West Nile Virus are rare but the fact that these risks exist makes the job of protecting against mosquitoes even more important.
Zika
Zika is an infection that started to make headlines in the United States in 2015. Zika typically causes little to no symptoms in people who contract it. For people who do experience symptoms, they can include a rash, itching, fever, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain. The scary part of the Zika infection is the impact that it can have if a pregnant woman becomes infected during certain times in her pregnancy. There is evidence that Zika can lead to birth defects, the most notable of which is microcephaly-an abnormally small head. The incidence of Zika in the United States has decreased since the outbreaks in 2015 and 2016. But, it is still very important for women who are pregnant to take extra precautions against mosquitoes. The CDC provides a regularly updated report of Zika cases that are reported as well as where the infection is believed to have originated.
Malaria
Malaria is another disease that mosquitoes can spread to humans. Malaria is caused by a parasite and has the potential to be fatal. Symptoms of malaria include high fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms. In the United States there is no serious risk of contracting malaria. But, if you travel regularly it is important to take note of the possibility of contracting malaria in the areas you visit. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are parts of the world where this disease is still a major problem.
The risk for serious side effects from mosquito borne illnesses is relatively small in the United States. But, the fact that there is any potential for those side effects should be enough to prompt proactive action on your part. Protect your home from mosquitoes by getting an inspection by a pest professional and taking the recommended steps outlined in the inspection report.
