When you think of all the creatures in the world that have the potential to kill you, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Sharks maybe or snakes? The answer may surprise you? The English translation is “little fly” translated from the Spanish “mosquito”. There are over 2,500 species of mosquitoes and mosquitoes are found all over the world with the exception of Antarctica. Mosquitoes are the cause of more human suffering and deaths than any other organism. As many as one million people worldwide die from mosquito borne diseases every year. To keep this number in perspective fifty thousand deaths per year are attributed to snakes bites and 10 fatalities per year to shark attacks. But it’s not just humans that are at risk, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases and parasites to dogs, cats and horses. Some of these diseases include heartworm disease in dogs and cats and Eastern equine encephalitis in horses.
Mosquito Vector Borne Diseases
Mosquito vectored diseases include protozoan diseases such as Malaria and viruses such as West Nile, encephalitis and yellow fever. A vector is described as any animal or microorganism that carries and transmits an infectious pathogen into another living organism. Malaria is an ancient disease that is believed to have originated in Africa. The malaria parasite is transmitted by the female mosquito. The female mosquitoes bite with a long pointed mouthpart called a proboscis. The mosquito uses the serrated proboscis to pierce the skin before drawing blood through one of two tubes, the second tube pumps saliva containing a mild painkiller and an anti-coagulant. Most people have a reaction to the saliva which causes the area around the bite to itch and swell. It has been reported that Malaria kills one child every 40 seconds. Statistics indicate that approximately 40% of the world’s population is susceptible to malaria, mostly in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. West Nile virus first appeared in North America in 1999 in New York. West Nile virus is cycled between birds and mosquitoes and transmitted to humans and other mammals by infected mosquitoes. West Nile Virus is described as one of several illnesses. West Nile fever is the least severe and symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, aches and rashes. Symptoms last for a few days to several weeks. The other types are grouped as a neuroinvasive disease which affects the nervous system. West Nile encephalitis affects the brain and West Nile meningitis causes inflammation of the brain and membrane around it. Overall, 2,445 cases of West Nile Virus were reported in humans, and there were 165 confirmed deaths in 2021.
Mosquito Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
A-Tex Pest Management offers effective protection from mosquitoes. Our highly trained technicians are dedicated to eliminating mosquitoes and other outdoor pests that can transmit dangerous diseases to you and your family. Our skilled technicians use a mosquito repelling barrier spray that keeps mosquitoes away. Contact A-Tex Pest Management and speak with a customer service professional to schedule an appointment for a free consultation and estimate.
