Welcome back to the Earthwise Pest Management blog. In our last blog post, we touched on a few of the different diseases that mosquitoes are capable of carrying and what some of the symptoms are that you should keep an eye out for are. Though we’ve mentioned a few of the diseases that are well known, like Zika, West Nile, and Malaria, there are still a handful of others that have been found within the United States and should still be taken seriously.
If you have mosquitoes surrounding your home or your job, then it’s crucial that you understand what risks are associated with these bites. Let’s dive into a few of the other diseases that mosquitoes are known for carrying.
Chikungunya
A virus that is also passed to humans by mosquitoes but is much less heard of is the Chikungunya virus. This virus had been around for quite some time but only found it’s way to the Americas in 2013. With less than five years of being in the United States, this virus has infected many people, and there is still no medicinal way of preventing or treating the virus that these insects spread.
Signs & Symptoms of Chikungunya
- Fever
- Joint Pain
- Joint Swelling
- Muscle Pain
- Rash
The signs and symptoms of Chikungunya can be severe, but very few cases have led to death. Most cases will result in individuals feeling sick three to seven days after that first bite, and will wear off within the same week. For more severe cases, these symptoms could last longer. Many people have said that the muscle and joint pain has carried on for as long as a month.
The good news is, the majority of the treatment can happen at home. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids is a must to ensuring your body remains healthy. The chances of a Chikungunya case being more severe are likelier for newborn babies and adults over the age of 65. That being said, most people who are diagnosed with Chikungunya are not likely to ever be affected by the virus later on life even if they’re bitten by a mosquito carrying it.
Encephalitis
One of the more rare infections that mosquitoes are capable of transferring is known as Encephalitis. There are less than 200 thousand cases in the United States as a whole, which is still concerningly high given how serious this diagnosis is. Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain and is most commonly transmitted by insects or animals.
Though mosquitoes and animals are one of the ways that Encephalitis is diagnosed, it’s not the only way for an individual to wind up with this reaction. There are many cases that go without ever being associated with a cause. Given that the reaction to the bite is a little bit different, the signs and symptoms are more severe. If you notice any of the following, you should go to a medical professional and have some tests run for additional answers.
Signs & Symptoms of Encephalitis
- Headaches
- Fever
- Confusion
- Stiff Neck
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Trouble Speaking
- Issues with Memory
The only way for this to be diagnosed is through tests completed by medical professionals. Even then, the diagnosis and treatments will vary widely based on the severity of the case itself. From medication to care tactics, there are a few different ways that this diagnosis is cared for and your medical professional will determine that based on your symptoms.
Dengue
Though this is not the most common diagnosis that is transmitted by a mosquito here in the United States, Dengue is caused by one of the four related viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. That being said, there is no treatment available for this diagnosis yet, and the best suggestion for avoiding it is by preventing mosquito bites altogether. Easier said than done!
This infection has been around since the early 1950’s and is still seen quite frequently in areas like Puerto Rico and Latin America. Given that these are common vacation spots, it has been known for this infection to make it’s way back to the United States after one mosquito has bitten an infected individual. Being aware of the risks that could happen while traveling is equally important as learning about the risk factors of being bit while in your hometown.
Signs & Symptoms of Encephalitis
- Sudden, High Fever
- Severe Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Skin Rash
- Pain Behind the Eyes
- Vomiting
- Mild Bleeding (Nose Bleeds, Bleeding Gums)
- Easy Bruising
Preventative Measures Are Available
There are quite a few viruses and diseases that mosquitoes carry, but the good news is that there are many things that you can do to minimize the chances of being bitten by a mosquito. If you have an area outside of your home that you enjoy spending time at, consider having it enclosed by screens. You can also make sure to wear proper attire for these types of settings as well as ensuring that you have the right DEET to keep mosquitoes at bay. If you’re looking to enjoy a space for small amounts of time, there are countless products that are designed to provide you with some relief from the pesky mosquitoes that come out after dark.
If you have a severe mosquito issue at your home, then you can also count on the professionals to take good care of you. Reach out to Earthwise Pest Management, and we would be happy to provide you with some answers to your pest related questions. Our pest control company serves the greater Sacramento area and would be lucky to be the team to provide you with a solution.