By Cindy Mulla, Public Relations/Education, Beach Mosquito Control District
Mosquitoes make it their point to let us know that they are present and can adversely impact our outdoor fun.
That darn female mosquito is responsible for leaving the unkind reminder of her visit by leaving a small raised, annoying itchy bump after her bloodthirsty feast. However, are you aware that they could possibly affect your health too? Yes, this is true. During her unwanted visit, she possibly can transmit a mosquito-borne illness (arbovirus) through her bite and impact on your health. Bay County has approximately fifty different species of mosquitoes. Only fourteen of these species have the potential of spreading an arbovirus. However, most mosquito bites do not transmit disease, but certain mosquito species can carry viruses that circulate between mosquitoes and host animals such as birds or horses and other mammals. Viruses found in Florida include Chikungunya (Chikv), Dengue Virus (DenV), Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEEv), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLEv) and West Nile Virus. Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika are traditionally imported travel-related viral infections with some local transmissions possible. All can be transmitted to humans. It can take two to fifteen days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito for symptoms to appear. They may include fatigue, persistent fever, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, joint pain and sometimes a rash. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms mimic the flu. If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please seek medical treatment promptly. A physician can order a laboratory test to determine if the illness is caused by an arbovirus (a virus transmitted by an infectious insect or tick). There are no cures for arboviruses, so seeking medical attention for these symptoms is important. If left unattended, a person can possibly develop more severe life-threatening health issues. However, most people infected with an arbovirus do not even become ill. Malaria is not a viral infection; it is the transmission of a specific parasite and is a recurring illness. Another difference between the other mosquito-borne illnesses is that malaria and Zika virus can be transmitted from human to human.
Can mosquito bites harm your pet?
Yes, a mosquito bite can transmit dog heartworm, a potentially fatal disease to your dog(s) and cat(s). Please remember to keep your pets safe by administering monthly veterinarian-approved preventive heartworm protection products. Annually, many horses contract and or die from EEEv in the Florida Panhandle region. Be a responsible pet owner; have your pet(s) routinely examined by a licensed veterinarian and ask for prevention advice.
What are the most effective measures to reduce your risk of being exposed to mosquitoes?
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency-approved registered insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and PMD
(p-methane-3,8 diol). Read and follow the label instructions. Reapplication is key when wearing repellent. It’s recommended that a child be three years old before wearing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of DEET for children younger than 2 months old.
- Dress the part, wear loose-fitting clothing, long sleeves and pants for extra protection.
- Eliminate standing water around your home or business property.
- Limit outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk when mosquito activity is at a high level.
- Travelling nationally or internationally? Always know before you go. Mosquitoes are a global public health problem. Visit the Centers for Disease (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov. Do not let one bite impact you for life. Pack and wear repellent wherever you travel.
- Are mosquitoes still a problem? Contact your local mosquito abatement program. Your tax dollars fund these programs to serve you.
Please make it a point to protect yourself from mosquito bites!
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