Mosquito-Borne Diseases And How To Stay Protected

Why Are Mosquitoes So Active in New Jersey?

Have you ever wondered what makes New Jersey a hotspot for these buzzing bloodsuckers? The Garden State is a mosquito paradise because of all the standing water. Anytime there’s an accumulation of water, it’s the ideal breeding ground for these little pests.

Water is the perfect place for them to lay their eggs, as when it’s not moving, they can land with ease. So, they would much rather be around a lake or marsh than the ocean. They will even lay their eggs in an old tire lying around, so finding a place to call home is not challenging.

Sadly, mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance for humans, as they can also cause problems for furry friends. Mosquitoes can bite dogs, cats, horses, and any other animal that gets in their way. Those bites won’t only affect you, as they can transmit nasty diseases to your pets.

Mosquitoes might be tiny, but they pack a punch, so it’s important to know the disease risks that are involved and how to keep yourself and your family safe from these buzzing threats!

Six Common Diseases Spread by Mosquitos

It’s believed that mosquitoes carry 13 primary diseases that can be transmitted to humans. However, scientists and entomologists continuously study these insects as things constantly evolve. Here are the six most common diseases and an overview of each one.

1. Zika Virus

Zika virus has received much press in the past few years. It was first discovered in 1947 in monkeys, but by 2007, the medical community found it was also a disease found in humans. It wasn’t commonly heard about until the significant outbreak in Brazil during the Summer Olympics in 2016.

Zika is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquitoes. It’s a viral infection that is so severe that it can even cause deformities in an unborn child in the womb. The good news is that most people recover within a week, and it’s very rare for anyone to perish.

Common symptoms of this disease include fevers, rash, joint pain, muscle spasms, and widespread pain, and headaches. One hallmark of this condition is that the whites of the eyes are painful and bright red.

2. West Nile Virus

West Nile is one of the more prominently discussed diseases caused by mosquitoes. The Culex genus transmits it, and the ironic thing is that many infected people have no symptoms of the condition. If a person does have signs, they are usually bodily aches, fevers, and headaches.

However, West Nile can also cause severe complications and neurological problems with some strains. In some instances, it can cause death, especially in horses, dogs, and other mammals. While some people get mild flu-like symptoms, others can present with severe neurological symptoms that must be evaluated immediately.

3. Malaria

While it’s typical to think Malaria is a disease no longer present in the US, it hits closer to home than you might imagine. Since 2010, cases of Malaria have been reported in all counties but two in the state of New Jersey. The central and northeastern parts of the state have the highest concentrations.

The infected female Anopheles mosquito spreads this disease, and though the numbers have increased, the chances of getting it are still low. The symptoms of this condition will begin to appear 10-14 days after the bite.

Most people have flu-like symptoms, including exhaustion, chills, body pains, headaches, and fevers. Some will also have vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. However, it’s essential to monitor these signs, as the disease can attack the red blood cells and cause severe conditions like jaundice or anemia, which requires medical intervention.

4. Yellow Fever

Two species of mosquitoes transmit the disease yellow fever: Aedes aegypti and Haemagogus. This condition is primarily found in subtropical areas, so it’s doubtful that you will encounter it in the US. However, a few cases have been reported due to travelers who have been out of the country.

Yellow fever is also called yellow plague. Many countries offer vaccinations against this condition, but there’s no need in America. The ranges of this disease are hard to track. On one end of the spectrum, people have mild symptoms, but on the other side of the spectrum, people develop organ failure. It depends on the strain and how the body reacts to the bacteria.

Around 30,000 people across the globe will die from this disease each year, but it’s not something that people from New Jersey should be concerned about catching.

5. St. Louis Encephalitis

SLE is a common condition caused by mosquitoes in the US and Canada. The highest concentrations are often observed in the Eastern and Central states. This condition originates in birds.

When mosquitoes bite an infected bird, they pass the disease onto any human or animal they encounter. The birds primarily carrying this condition are the robin, blue jay, sparrows, and even the occasional pigeon.

Most people will have no symptoms, but some will have mild, flu-like issues. Consequently, neurological problems such as swelling in the brain may occur in some individuals. The disease is named for the dangerous encephalitis that it’s known to cause, especially in those with already compromised immune systems.

6. Dengue Virus

Dengue virus is a severe flu-like illness primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms typically appear 4-6 days after being bitten and can include a high fever reaching 104°F, pounding headache, vomiting, fatigue, and a rash.

This condition also causes breakbone fever, which is where joint and muscle pain is so severe that it feels like the bones are breaking. Dengue fever can progress and become a potentially life-threatening condition in some individuals. Early detection and proper medical care are essential. Though there’s no cure, the focus is on preventing further complications and relieving symptoms.

10 Ways to Stay Protected

The summer months were meant to be spent outside and enjoying nature. However, it would help if you protect yourself from things like ticks and mosquitoes when being in the great outdoors. Protecting yourself using common sense and a few other methods can reduce the risks of contracting something like Zika virus or dengue fever. Here are the most common ways to protect your family and fur babies.

1. Use Repellents

Using repellents is number one on the list because it’s the best way to keep mosquitoes away from you. Look for products that have things like DEET or lemon eucalyptus in them.

This product should be applied to any part of your skin exposed to the air. Follow the directions carefully, as children or pets may not be safe with some pesticides.

2. Invest in Mosquito Nets

If you travel to some parts of the world, you’ll find that mosquito nets are a precious commodity. If you don’t have screens on your windows, or your screens have small holes in them, having a net can be valuable.

When you’re on a camping trip, you need these nets too. While many varieties are on the market, you must get one treated with a particular insecticide.

3. Install or Repair Screens

It’s incredible how many people don’t check their screens yearly to ensure safety. Every year, you must ensure that windows have screens and no holes in them. If you see any issues, you need to fix them if you plan on using your windows to allow fresh air into your home.

4. Wear Protective Clothing

Though most people want to remove clothing when it’s hot outside, you need to put more on to protect yourself. The mosquitoes are most active when you’re outside in the early morning or evening hours.

You must wear long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of shorts. Also, though flip-flops are comfortable, you must wear socks and tennis shoes during peak times.

5. Invest in Mosquito Traps

Remember the old fly traps that hung from the ceiling and captured flies as they passed? Well, there are also such devices for mosquitoes. Thankfully, you don’t need these unsightly strips hanging around, as an electronic bug zapper can do the trick.

Mosquitoes and other insects are attracted to light and warmth, so these electric bug zappers can help keep them at bay.

6. Remove Standing Water

While it’s not always possible, you must try to reduce or eliminate any standing water sources around your home. Even water accumulated in a flowerpot or bird bath can be problematic. Did you know that gutters clogged with leaf litter can be the perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs?

While some water sources are impossible to control, anything containing the slightest amount of stagnated water should be removed.

7. Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours

While you shouldn’t have to limit outdoor activities due to insects, you should be more careful or avoid times when they’re most active. Dusk and dawn should be avoided if possible, and if you must be out during these times, you should be protected.

8. Wear Light-Colored Clothing

Did you know that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors? Ironically, insects can be color-selective, so it’s best to wear light-colored clothing when you must be outside.

9. Install a Screen Door

Many people don’t have screen doors and prefer the one-door look. However, if you have pets or children constantly running in and out, it’s best to have one to help cut down on insects. The screen is just enough to help protect any creeping crawling critters from entering your home.

10. Get Monthly Repellent for Pets

You protect your pets from fleas and ticks, but did you know that many monthly pills will also repel mosquitoes? If you live in an active area or your pets spend much time outside, it’s worth asking your vet about a treatment that can handle more.

Using Pest Control for Help With Mosquitoes And The Diseases They Carry

Many people don’t consider pest control services for mosquitoes. Technicians can care for vermin, termites, roaches, and ants, but they can also help with summertime pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. The problem doesn’t need to be inside the home for you to seek help from an expert.

Some folks won’t need such assistance, but others need a professional’s help. A pest control company will spray the yard to eliminate any mosquitoes currently in the vicinity and kill off any eggs. Second, many people use a particular machine called a fogger. This device will help to keep the air around your precious home saturated with pesticides that will help to protect it.

Those with pools, lakes, decorative Koi ponds, and other water features might need such services. However, for most folks, using preventative measures and being smart about peak times is efficient enough to keep them safe.

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