Not only do pesky mosquito bites cause an irritating itch, they along with ticks and other pests can also cause infectious diseases. By now you have heard of the ever growing concern of pregnant women becoming infected with Zika Virus. There are several other diseases that are caused by these common pests.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a virus that can be transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Certain migratory birds, including the House Sparrow are carriers of the disease. When a mosquito bites an infected bird for a blood meal, they contract the disease. When the mosquito bites a human, they infect the human with Encephalitis. The infected person normally does not experience any major symptoms. As the disease progresses, it can result in inflammation of the brain, which is a serious condition. There is not currently a vaccine to protect you against transmission.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is transmitted to humans from the bite of the Aedes albopictus mosquito. It late 2013, the virus was found in the islands of the Caribbean. Fortunately, this disease is not life-threatening. Infected people will experience muscle pain, joint swelling and/or a rash. Help prevent the spread of Chikungunya by requesting a free estimate online or calling Henderson Pest Services today!
Heartworm in Pets
Mosquitoes can spread heartworm from pet to pet! When a mosquito gets a blood meal from a pet that has been infected with heartworm, the mosquito can uptake baby heartworms that are microscopic. When the mosquito gets a blood meal from the next pet, it leaves some of these microscopic heartworms on their skin, which develop into adult heartworms. It is important to give your pet heartworm pills to protect it. For additional protection, Henderson Pest Services is here to help! Request a free estimate online or call us at 610-544-5648.
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is a disease that is transmitted from the bite of a Black Legged Tick, or Deer Tick. It is more likely to get bit by a tick in heavily wooded areas with high grass, as this is their habitat. While ticks can bite any time of year, they are most active in May, June and July in the Northeast. They are least active when temperatures dip below freezing. It is most important to protect you, your family and your pets during the summer months. For a person to actually become infected with Lyme Disease, the Deer Tick would need to remain attached for 48 hours. If you are able to remove the tick, prior to 48 hours expiring, it is very unlikely that you would transmit Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is transmitted through the saliva of the Deer Tick. To prevent transmission of Lyme Disease, we recommend some preventative measures. When walking in heavily wooded areas, wear long pants, long sleeves, and a hat. Spray yourself with a liquid tick repellent containing DEET. When returning home from the wooded area, shower within 24 hours. If you feel that you may have been infected with Lyme Disease, it is best to consult your doctor immediately. Symptoms include, a bulls-eye rash, headache, muscle/joint pain, and fatigue. The good news is that over 80% of Lyme disease cases are cured with a 3 week antibiotic program.
West Nile Virus
In 1999, West Nile Virus was diagnosed in New York City. Transmission occurs when a mosquito gets a blood meal from an infected bird who then gets a blood meal from a human. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms including a fever, muscle aches and a headache. Mosquitos of the genus Culex are responsible for the transmission of West Nile Virus from birds. There is currently no vaccine available for humans, but there are vaccines available for horses. The most effective prevention is the elimination of standing water and use mosquito repellents when outdoors. Henderson Pest Services is here to help! Request a free estimate online or call 610-544-5648 for safe and effective mosquito control.
Zika Virus
Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito of the Aedes Agypti species. These mosquitos can bite four or five people for one blood meal. Most people do not experience any symptoms when infected. The major concern is that Zika Virus has been directly linked to causing birth defects to pregnant women’s babies who were infected during their pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have recently visited Latin/Central America or southern Florida, it is best to get a blood test to determine if you are infected. While most cases of Zika are found in Latin and Central America, the virus has entered the United States, with a high concentration of cases in Florida. Henderson Pest Services is here to protect you and your family against Zika. Request an estimate online or call us at 610-544-5648 for a free estimate!
