Mosquito bites and diseases: should I be worried?

No matter where you are the mosquito will remain a nuisance. They are found around the globe, literally from pole to pole. Understanding that we can’t get away from them, and that attempts to eradicate them will fail, we must learn what exactly we can do to coexist comfortably with the pest. The first thing to know is that while infection with a fatal disease from a mosquito bite is possible it is not likely. Your chances of reducing the risk are increased greatly by following a few simple steps outlined below.

Let’s take a look at the mosquito itself. While the males feed from plant nectar, the females require blood meals to nourish their young. This is accomplished through the use of a long needle-like mouth part called a proboscis. When the proboscis enters the skin so does the saliva which is used as a lubricant, and carried in the saliva are the microbes we have come to fear. In the United States there are 150 species of mosquito, half of which occur in the state of Florida, and a total of over 2500 species exist world wide. A certain few are the most troublesome. Aedes mosquitoes are known to be the most persistent biters as they prefer mammals, including humans, and feed during the day. The Culex mosquito is responsible for the most concern in the United States because it feeds off birds and humans alike which leads to the spread of such diseases as St. Louis encephalitis. And while the Anopheles mosquito is the only one known to spread malaria, other mosquitoes are becoming more problematic as their habitats are encroached on my mankind.

In terms of every day concerns the biggest worry is an allergic reaction to the bite experienced by a large portion of the population. Many over the counter products are available that alleviate the swelling and itching. An easy home remedy is a combination of baking soda and just enough water to create a paste, which is then rubbed of the afflicted area. There are, of course, more serious health risks posed by mosquito bites. Death from mosquito is achieved through the transmission of viruses and protozoan life forms carried in the bodily fluids of the female mosquito, which enter the human body as described above. Even though such bites are frequent, those of us in the USA have little need to fret. While dengue, yellow fever, and malaria were at one time common in the United States, the occurrence of such diseases has become a rarity. The CDC cited under 1200 cases of malaria and 143 diagnosed cases of dengue during the years of 1997-98. Another ailment passed on by the troublesome insect is encephalitis.

This is where West Nile virus comes into play. The name has received major media attention recently but little is known about it. The virus causing West Nile encephalitis is not indigenous to the North American continent. Its appearance has caused great concern among the public although birds are the most frequent victims. At least eighteen species of birds are known to have been infected by the virus including the American crow, the mallard, the American robin, and the symbol of the United States--the bald eagle itself. The effect of this virus being introduced to the ecosystem is undetermined but USGS scientists assert that it is more deadly in this new population than in its original territories: Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. This is either the result of a more virulent strain of the virus or the possibility that North American animals are more vulnerable. In the human population almost 70 persons were diagnosed with West Nile encephalitis in 1999 in the New York area but in the year 2000 infection seems to be on hiatus. There is still cause for alarm because the territory in which infected birds have been found has grown drastically, covering half of the Atlantic coast. Like its less virulent cousin St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile is transmitted from birds to humans through mosquito bites.

And that is not the only good news. In the face of mosquito infestation there exist several initiatives for individuals and communities alike. The homeowner can use exterior fogging as a short term solution to the problem. Recommended for outdoor use are foggers containing pyrethrins, or five percent malathion. A more permanent solution for eliminating mosquitoes on your property is to get rid of anything that holds water. Take a look around your yard and identify the following: tires, plastic swimming pools, can, buckets, old tires, bird baths, pet bowls, and flower pots. Throw away or put into storage what you are not currently using and make sure the pet bowls and flower pots don’t hold standing water for more than 48 hours. Above all, property maintenance can reduce the risk around your home. Make sure that your entire lawn is free of drainage problems such as chronic puddles or excessive watering, and keep those gutters clean. Also, you will want to mow the lawn on a regular basis and remove all weeds as doing so will remove the resting places adult mosquitoes need for survival. To keep mosquitoes out of your home use 16-18 mesh screens at all windows, doors leading to the outside, and around any porches. Unfortunately insect electrocutors have proven ineffective at curbing exterior mosquito populations but if you can tolerate them indoors they may be of assistance.

But even more successful than individual effort is an organized management of the mosquito population. Check with your local health department to find out if the community you live in has a mosquito control district. If the answer is yes it is advisable to assist in any way you can. Aerosol spraying in the air and at ground level kills the adult mosquitoes, treatment of known breeding habitats destroys the larvae, and draining or filling areas of stagnant water robs them of breeding grounds to begin with. Regional governments generally handle such problems as slow creeks and other major resource management issues. On the national and international level it is uncertain that any headway could be made in terms of species eradication or containment. In the 1960’s, after such miracles as the destruction of polio, the United States lead an international movement to exterminate mosquitoes. After pouring millions of dollars into the effort and reaching the very brink of success the program was canceled. The repercussions of that decision are that not only has the mosquito rebounded after bordering on extinction but it is now highly resistant to pesticides.

So keep your property maintained, get involved in community efforts, and take a look at what you are putting on yourself. Avoid clothing with bright colors and try not to use shampoos, perfumes, or body lotions containing flowery scents. Following these guidelines will minimize your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes ensuring maximum protection from diseases like malaria or encephalitis. And, if all else fails, you can always resort to using the fly swatter!