Mosquitoes aren’t just your regular backyard nuisance, they can turn into tiny villains with a potent threat. Globally, these little bloodsuckers are infamous for spreading diseases that have a heavy toll, causing over 700,000 deaths each year through vector-borne diseases.

Here are diseases mosquitoes can transmit:

Malaria
Yellow Fever
Dengue
Rift Valley Fever
Schistosomiasis
West Nile Fever
Chagas Disease
Zika Virus

Mosquito-Borne Zika Virus in Suffolk County & Nassau County

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) describes the Zika virus as “spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.” It can be carried by a mosquito bite or passed from a person who’s already carrying the virus. So it pays to be cautious, especially around infected people.

When it comes to Zika symptoms, watch out for:

Fever
Rash
joint pain
conjunctivitis (that’s doctor speak for red eyes

These signs typically last just over a week. So if you’re feeling under the weather with these symptoms, check in with your healthcare provider to stay on the safe side!

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but deadly mosquito-borne illness. It is carried by the Culiseta melanura mosquito – also known as the black-tailed mosquito.

As of late October 2024, there have been 16 human cases in the US – including one fatal case in New York. There have been human cases as far west as Wisconsin, which is concerning; EEE usually only appears on the east coast.

This disease is only spread to humans by mosquitoes carrying it. You cannot catch it from an infected person. That’s why mosquito control is such an important part of keeping this disease from spreading.

EEE has a 33% mortality rate, no vaccine, and no antiviral treatment. While you should be aware of this disease and take measures to protect yourself and your community, don’t panic. This disease is very rare; there is only a 5% chance of infection if you are bitten by a carrier mosquito.

EEE symptoms include:

Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, etc)
Seizures
Disorientation
Drowsiness
Behavioral changes
Coma

If you believe you may have EEE, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. The earlier treatment can start, the better your chances.

Why Are Mosquitoes the World’s Most Dangerous Animal?

For years, the Center for Disease Vector Research has considered mosquitoes one of the most dangerous insects in the world. Not only are they itchy and annoying, but they can spread life-threatening diseases to both people and pets. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the world’s population is currently at risk for mosquito-borne diseases.

Because they fly, mosquitoes are more than just small insects that bite, and can quickly spread a variety of illnesses.

How Do Mosquitoes Spread Disease?

Mosquitoes transmit disease through their bites, and while not every mosquito will pass along a serious infectious disease, there’s really no way to know what will happen, which is why prevention is key from the start during mosquito season.

Such is the case with heartworms in dogs, mosquitoes bite an animal such as a dog, and the dog serves as the definitive host, meaning that the parasite matures, mates, and produces offspring all while living inside the dog’s body.

Types of Mosquitoes That Transmit Disease

Three major mosquito species are the main disease detectives: Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles. The good news is that not all mosquitoes are bad to the bone. Many types buzzing around are just plain annoying without the health risks.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases Symptoms

Most mosquito bites are just irritating, but some can pack a punch with symptoms that are hard to ignore:

Rash
Muscle tremors or seizures
Stiff neck
Confusion
Sudden high fever
Nausea or vomiting
Severe headaches

Experiencing these symptoms after a mosquito banquet? It’s better to be safe than sorry – go right to the hospital.

Can Mosquitoes Transmit HIV or AIDS?

Despite their villainous status in the transmission of other diseases, mosquitoes do not transmit HIV or AIDS.

In fact, mosquitoes lack the necessary receptors for HIV, which prevents them from becoming infected with or transmitting the virus to humans. Even if they feed on an HIV-positive individual, the virus does not survive within them long enough to be passed on in subsequent bites.

Furthermore, HIV is particularly “homeless” inside mosquitoes, as it targets human T-cells — a type of cell that mosquitoes simply do not possess.

Protect Your Family with Pest Control Services

While mosquito repellant is never a bad idea, truly preventing mosquitoes starts with bringing in professional mosquito exterminators. We at Suburban Exterminating are Suffolk County & Nassau County experts in effective mosquito control and can help you safely get rid of mosquitoes.

You can have their property sprayed occasionally for specific events, or benefit from a planned mosquito treatment schedule.

Suburban Exterminating offers effective mosquito control to Suffolk County & Nassau County residents. Whether you’re looking for ongoing treatments while these pests are active or simply need a one-time treatment before an outdoor event, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our mosquito extermination services!

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