Mosquitoes Are A Risk To Us All

As the seasons change from summer to fall and the number of mosquitoes appear to decrease, we could be easily lured into a false sense of security that we’re okay to let down our defenses from these disease spreading pests. We couldn’t be more wrong! The mosquitoes that are left could potentially be more harmful than those during the peak of mosquito season. Here’s why…

West Nile virus danger spikes as late-summer mosquitoes take flight 

Don’t put away the bug spray just yet. The relatively few mosquitoes buzzing around now include the most dangerous kinds, experts warn. Late summer and early fall are prime time for Culex breeds of mosquito, which are most likely to carry West Nile virus. West Nile virus, which can cause deadly fevers and brain swelling, is carried around the country by crows, blue jays and other birds. Culex mosquitoes pose a danger because they often bite infected birds and then bite humans.

So should you be protecting yourself all year round? The answer is a most definite YES! These pests are a threat to our health, and with the weather proving to be so sporadic, mosquitoes are surviving longer than usual.

There are many methods of protection that people put in place, but what we would highly recommend is always using a mosquito repellent and making sure that your home is protected with mosquito control administered by a professional.

West Nile virus is just one disease transmitted by mosquitoes. There are many more that we are vulnerable to in different parts of the world.

Tackling mosquito-borne diseases in 10 countries

Mosquitoes are prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas like the Pacific and Asia. This has led to a long history of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya in these regions. In the past few years, there has been 30,000 suspected cases of dengue in Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati. In fact, the Western Pacific is the second most Zika-affected region in the world, with 13 countries reporting infections in 2016.

You might not live in a part of the world that has a larger threat to these sometimes killer diseases, but you have a responsibility to yourself and others to make sure, you are safe. Diseases can travel. Mosquitoes can fly. We are all at risk!