Whispers and rumors spread during the scare in 1999 regarding the West Nile Virus mosquitoes were carrying. Once the rumors become a frightful truth, people decided to take precautions. In 2010, 2013 and 2016, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika Virus hit the US respectively. Now people in the Houston, TX area could be at risk for being exposed to these and other mosquito born viruses. Mosquitoes are flying insects that can transmit illnesses. As they puncture the skin to consume the victims’ blood, the saliva often causes irritation. In passing from host to host they can transmit harmful infections and viruses. A-Tex Pest Management delves more into mosquito borne illnesses below.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is a disease that’s spread through mosquito bites. In most cases, there are mild symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes that last less than a week. In a few cases, Zika can trigger paralysis (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) and in pregnant women, it may cause subsequent birth defects. There’s no vaccine or specific treatment. Rather the focus is on relieving symptoms and includes rest, rehydration, and acetaminophen for fever and pain.

Chikungunya Virus

The most common symptom of Chikungunya is high fevers and joint pain. Other symptoms like headache, muscle pain, rash or joint swelling may manifest. More than 3000 cases of Chikungunya have been reported. Though there are no known cures for this outbreak, there are some basic ways to treat the symptoms. Plenty of fluids is highly recommended, and over the counter ibuprofen is prescribed for pain and swelling of the joints. Though this virus is not fatal, it can pose a great hardship on infants and the elderly, and is severely painful to recover from.

Dengue Fever

One bit of good news on this illness is that it can’t get spread from person to person. The mosquito is solely responsible for this unfortunate circumstance. Like the Chikungunya virus, Dengue originated outside the United States. Most reported cases come from the tropical areas of the world. Symptoms usually appear between four – six days after the mosquito bite. Similar to Chikungunya symptoms include; high fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and mild bleeding from the nose or gums. In mild cases it is often mistaken for the common flu. If not treated properly, serious problems can develop. Dengue also shares the unfortunate fact that it has no cure. Just the treatment appropriate for the symptoms is all the relief that can be offered until the virus has run its course.

How Do You Stop Mosquitoes from Biting?

There are many preventive measures to be taken. Instead of taking that trip to those highly over-rated tropical areas, perhaps something less mosquito infested. England, Scotland, or Ireland is often over looked, but offer great tourist attractions. Best part about those destinations is no mosquitoes! If you are living in an area that gets high traffic mosquitoes be sure to use mosquito repellent, even indoors as the pests can find ways inside. When inside also be sure to use that air conditioning unit. If your outdoors, don’t be tempted by short shorts and tank tops. Cover up with long sleeves and pants. Make sure all windows and doors are secure with no holes. If sleeping arrangements have no air-conditioning or screens, be sure to adorn your bed with a mosquito net.

Mosquito Control, Removal, Inspections, Treatment & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas

If there is a need for mosquito elimination all together, get A-Tex Pest Management on your side. We have a proven mosquito control and elimination service that can keep you and your loved ones from experiencing those dreadful viruses.