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Everything You Need To Know About Mosquito Transmitted Diseases

Everything You Need To Know About Mosquito Transmitted Diseases

Pesky mosquitoes can cause the whole world problems by spreading diseases and leaving everyone with mosquito bites (which are an allergic reaction that our skin has to the insect’s saliva)—both itchy and uncomfortable. As you probably know, there are a variety of different diseases that you can contract from mosquitos so, here's a straightforward guide that can keep you up to speed without being overwhelmed.

What Are They?

Malaria

Probably the most well-known (and most dangerous) disease, malaria can affect animals as well as us humans. The symptoms include fatigue, headaches, fever and vomiting but may result in seizures or death if left untreated. 

Tularemia 

Commonly known as rabbit fever, it is seriously infectious and can result in fevers, skin ulcers, and inflamed lymph nodes. 

Filariasis

Filariasis is caused when Filarioidea type roundworms infect the bloodstream — and yes, they are carried by mosquitoes. Unfortunately, the first symptom that will appear if you are unlucky enough to be infected with this disease is Elephantiasis which is the thickening of the skin and tissue. 

Zika

Usually found in Mexico, Africa, India, and Florida, the Zika virus infects the immune system and causes it to attack the nervous system. Furthermore, in pregnant women, it can result in their unborn child having serious brain abnormalities. 

Yellow Fever

When travelling abroad, you really need to be vaccinated against this disease and that should be enough to stave off the fever. The name comes from, as you may imagine, the yellow colour it can create in the infected people. 

Ross River Fever

Most commonly seen in places such as Australia, Tasmania, and Fiji, Ross River Fever usually presents itself with influenza-like symptoms and a form of arthritis which affects 5 or more joints at the same time.

Quite frankly, there are many diseases that mosquitoes can carry, so it is important that you and your family are prepared to stay safe during the insect season. 

How to Kill Mosquitoes: Your Options

Mosquito Traps

The idea with the traps is that they attract the mosquitoes to the device. Once entrapped, the contraption either kills them with water, or they lock them inside a separate area where they eventually die. 

Mosquito Repellents

As the name suggests, these do not kill the nasty bugs, but they do hide the odours that make you attractive to mosquitos.

Mosquito Foggers

For these, you will have to ensure that your pets and loved ones are far away from the area, so you don’t poison them. However, once applied, foggers are your best chance at exterminating these insects for a long period of time. 

Mosquito Sprayers

Sprayers will always work far better than foggers. They disperse wonderfully and do serious damage to the life of these pesky little bugs. 

Mosquito Zappers

Mosquito zappers are the most rapid tools to clear out your mosquito population. Effectively, they electrocute the insects and leave them well and truly dead — perfect for eradicating them from your turf completely.

Buy a Bat House

Weird isn’t it? But setting up a habitat where bats can thrive will solve your mosquito issues for good as these animals can hunt and kill around 1,000 of these insects every night—what more could you want? 

But What if You Already Have a Mosquito Bite?

If you didn’t get to kill them off in time and have already contracted a mosquito bite, there are ways to treat them. 

Antihistamines

Essentially, our bodies are having an allergic reaction when a mosquito bites us so, by taking antihistamines, we are stopping the allergen from further infecting us and thus, treating the bite. 

With this medication, you can either take a pill or apply a topical cream. Top doctors recommend the oral option but, some people claim that the cream works a lot better. As with anything, be mindful of any and all side effects as they do still exist, even with antihistamines. 

Corticosteroids

This treatment type treats the inflammation and itching sensation that the bites bring. It is important to be aware that if you use corticosteroids for a long period, they can make unwanted side effects appear — just a warning! 

Hopefully, by now you will be well on your way to totally mosquito-proofing yourselves, your home, and your loved ones.

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