An important part of summer is spending time outdoors with your family. However, it’s important to take precautions against diseases caused by mosquitoes.
Why are mosquitoes dangerous?
Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. These diseases can cause serious health problems, including death.
Dengue statistics
Dengue fever is a serious disease that is caused by a virus. It is spread by mosquitoes. Each year, there are about 390 million cases of dengue fever worldwide. Dengue fever can cause death in some cases.
Malaria statistics
Malaria is a serious disease that is caused by a parasite. It is spread by mosquitoes. In 2015, there were about 212 million cases of malaria worldwide, including 438 000 deaths.
Zika statistics
In 2016 and 2017, the Zika virus was a major issue in many countries, especially in South America. The Zika virus can cause birth defects in unborn babies whose mothers have been infected with this virus during pregnancy.
What happens when a mosquito bites?
When a mosquito bites you, it can spread these diseases to your bloodstream. These diseases can be fatal if left untreated.
Mosquito-borne diseases can be prevented by reducing mosquitoes where you live and work, and when you travel. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends steps to prevent or reduce mosquito bites:
• Avoid outdoor activities in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes: This includes dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes rest in shady and damp areas during the heat of the day, so you’re less likely to be bitten then.
• Wear long sleeves and pants: These help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Use insect repellent: There is no vaccine for the Zika virus, but you can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites.
What can I do to protect my family?
It’s important to take steps to protect your family from these diseases. Ways to do this include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in well-screened areas.
By following a few simple steps, you can keep your family safe from these harmful pests.
Make sure you use insect repellent when spending time outdoors. Repellents containing DEET are the most effective at preventing bites. Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Finally, make sure to keep your yard free of standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. Eliminating breeding grounds is one of the most effective ways to reduce the population of mosquitoes.
You can also use natural mosquito control methods to reduce or eliminate the risk of contracting deadly diseases.
Common Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes
There are a few diseases that mosquitoes can spread, including the West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Dengue fever. These diseases can cause serious health complications, so it’s important to take steps to protect your family from them.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It can cause fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally more serious symptoms.
Zika virus is a relatively new disease that has been linked to birth defects. Pregnant women are especially at risk for complications if they are infected with the Zika virus.
Dengue fever is a tropical disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It can cause severe fever, pain, and bleeding. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, so it’s important to seek medical help if you think you may have been infected.
Malaria is another tropical disease that can be spread by mosquitoes. It is a serious illness that can cause fever, chills, and vomiting. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Types of Mosquitoes That Cause Diseases
There are a few types of mosquitoes that can carry diseases, including the yellow fever mosquito, the Aedes mosquito, and the Anopheles mosquito.
The yellow fever mosquito is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. This mosquito can spread yellow fever, dengue fever, and the Zika virus.
The Aedes mosquito is found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. This mosquito can spread yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus.
The Anopheles mosquito is also found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It can spread malaria.
Adults and children can take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. It’s just a matter of doing what it takes to keep those pesky creatures from harming us and our loved ones.
Keeping your family safe from diseases caused by mosquitoes is simple once you know how. By using insect repellent, avoiding spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk, and making sure your yard is free of standing water, you can greatly reduce your risk of being bitten. So enjoy your summer, but remember to take these precautions.
