Mosquitoes and Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Should I Be Worried?
If you’re paying attention to the news, you might have seen that there has been an outbreak in serious mosquito-borne illnesses in Massachusetts that has led to some communities encouraging curfews. The disease that is spreading in New England is called Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which is a serious illness that can lead to neurological complications and even death. Thankfully, getting the worst version of the disease is not common, and the disease cannot spread from person to person. Still, disease outbreaks are always frightening, especially when they are transmitted by mosquitoes because most of us are bitten by mosquitoes every summer. Thankfully, mosquito populations can be controlled through habitat modification and treatments from a professional pest control company like Summit Pest Control.
Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are infamous for the amount of infectious diseases they can spread, including:
While most mosquitoes are just nuisances that will leave you with itchy welts, you should always protect yourself against mosquitoes as best you can with long clothing and bug spray in order to prevent any disease transmission.
Mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis Outbreak
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (E.E.E.) is a rare virus that is spread by mosquitoes. Most people who get the virus do not contract the disease, but the disease itself has a 30% mortality rate. EEE can lead to neurological disease, including encephalitis, the inflammation of the brain, which can cause fever, headache, seizures, and coma. Thankfully, people contracting the most severe version of EEE is very rare. The disease is unfortunately very fatal to horses, which is where the “Equine” part of the name comes from.
EEE has been in the news lately after one person died in New Hampshire from the disease, and four more have contracted the disease this summer. New England health officials declared that there was an elevated risk for the virus in the area, and urged citizens to be cautious around the times of peak mosquito activity, like dawn and dusk. Some communities in New England have been rescheduling sports events, barbecues and other outdoor events to prevent transmission of the disease, while trucks and aircrafts have been spraying pesticides in parts of Massachusetts to target the insects. State officials are increasing mosquito collection and testing in Vermont in order to keep track of the spread of the infection.
Could It Happen Here?
When you see these types of stories, your first thought is probably “can that happen here, in Northern Virginia?” The answer to that question is it possibly could, but there is no reason to panic. With the right protection, mosquito control treatments, and preventative pest control treatments, mosquito populations can be handled effectively, and the diseases they cause can be prevented.
How To Protect Against Mosquitoes
Mosquito-borne illnesses can be effectively prevented through proper precautions, habitat modification, and pest control treatments. If you are going outside during peak mosquito times (around dawn and dusk), make sure that you are using bug spray and wearing long clothing that covers your arms and legs. Standing water is where mosquitoes lay their eggs, so make sure that all sources of standing water on your property are removed or dumped out regularly. Mosquito screens installed around your deck, porch or patio can help prevent these pesky bugs from getting to you.
The best way to protect against mosquitoes is with a mosquito pest control program from Summit Pest Control. Our team can come out and inspect your property for areas of high traffic, and we will utilize a number of professional-grade pesticides and pest management techniques to eliminate the population of mosquitoes on your property. Contact our team to get started today with a FREE estimate at 703-884-2124!
Best Mosquito Control Treatment in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Fredericksburg
New England is facing an outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis as a result of infected mosquitoes in the area. The result of this outbreak is increased testing and vigilance, large-scale pesticide applications, and suggested curfews, leading to some areas closing parks around the hours of peak mosquito activity. The outbreak seems to be mostly contained to New England for now, but if you are still worried about mosquitoes transmitting diseases, there are several precautions you can take. Utilize bug spray, wear long clothing, eliminate all standing water on your property, and call Summit Pest Control for mosquito treatments in your yard. We also offer preventative mosquito treatments, so call us today at 703-884-2124!
