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When we think of dangerous insects we usually think of things like scorpions, black widow and brown recluse spiders, killer bees, locusts and so many more that Hollywood and the media have made to be scary monsters of sorts. For most people encounters with these so called ‘dangerous’ insects are few and far between, if at all. But, did you know that one of the most common insects is also one of the most dangerous ones as well?
Mosquitoes are the deadliest insect in the world. According to the World Health Organization, mosquito bites result in the death of more than one million people each year. More people die from mosquito-related illnesses each year than anything else!!! Wow! Hard to believe that the blood sucking buzzing insect that is found on almost all the earth is also involved in the most deaths in humans per year. Let’s take a look at some of the ‘heavy’ hitters of these mosquito-borne and transmitted diseases.
Malaria
An estimated 300-500 million new cases of malaria occur each year; and, although not all of them are lethal, a child dies every 30 seconds from malaria. Here in the US malaria is only considered to be a minor problem. The majority of deaths from malaria are in Africa. Most often it is someone with a compromised immune system and lack of access to quality health care. While anti-malarial drugs exist, there is currently no vaccine. Here in the US the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a very informative website that has a lot of clear and concise information about malaria and disease prevention. Click here to go visit their malaria page.
West Nile
West Nile is a disease that mosquitoes actually pick up from infected birds and pass on to unsuspecting human victims. This virus became prevalent for the first time in the US around 1999. Most people that are infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms while about 1 in 5 people who are infected will have a fever and other symptoms. Less than 1% of the 1 in 5 infected will develop a serious, possibly fatal, neurological illness. For more information about this disease, prevention, FAQ’s, and more visit the CDC website.
Zika Virus Disease
The Zika Virus Disease is currently highlighted in just about every media outlet in the US. This mosquito-borne virus has surely been making headlines lately, and for good reason; people are very concerned about it. Zika virus disease is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. This virus can also be spread secondarily through sexual contact, from mother to child, and through a blood transfusion. While this seems like a scary disease, the good news is that the type of mosquito that carries and transmits this disease (Aedes aegypti) is not normally a widespread species of mosquito here in the continental US. It is primarily found in tropical regions. This however, does not mean that you cannot contract this disease. Click here to learn more specifics about this virus, prevention, Zika & pregnancy, and much more.
Mosquitoes and their bites can be much more than just irritating and itchy. They can make you or your family sick. Please take precautions when going outside. Click here for some CDC approved tips to protect yourself and your loved ones at home and when traveling.
Here at All-American Pest Control, we offer our highly effective mosquito reduction services. These services are targeted specifically to help you take the bite out of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will be here before you know it, so why not take advantage of our free home evaluation and learn just how simple and affordable it is to lessen the presence of mosquitoes on your property.