A tiny bite from a mosquito may seem like a small matter. However, a study shows that just one bite from a mosquito can lead to multiple infections, some of them quite serious.
The Study
The Colorado State University study, exposed several hundred mosquitoes to numerous illnesses, including Zika and Dengue. Researchers examined the mosquitoes’ saliva after the exposure and found all viruses present in 92% of the insects.
The tests led them to conclude that multiple viruses can be harbored by a single mosquito. While studies done in Gabon and India also show that humans can be infected with chikungunya and dengue at the same time.
Dangerous Diseases
If a single mosquito can harbor multiple illnesses, there may be cause for concern. Here are a few of the major diseases associated with mosquitoes:
- Yellow Fever
- Encephalitis
- Malaria
- Dengue Fever
- Zika Virus
- West Nile Virus
Some of these illnesses like, Zika and West Nile, have no vaccine and no current cure.
Spreading Illness
Only the female mosquito is able to bite, suck blood, and spread disease. And, there are only three main species responsible for the transmission of human disease. However, they number in the billions. When a mosquito bites, it punctures the skin with two tubes, one draws blood, the other injects an enzyme to help prevent blood clotting. This enzyme is what causes most people to itch and their skin to swell.
Mosquitoes can travel miles in search of “blood meals” taking their diseases with it. Also, humans can help the spread of mosquito borne illnesses by traveling and being bitten by a non-infected mosquito.
All of these factors combined with the discovery that one mosquito can pose multiple threats is now being studied. It’s vital to know which potential illness is impacting a human victim for treatment. Some mosquito borne illnesses amount to no more than a rash or fever. Others start that way but if let untreated can be life-threatening.
How to Protect Yourself
The best protection is prevention. Use a repellent containing DEET and cover your skin. Be sure to spray your clothes in addition to exposed skin. Also, stay inside around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Besides clearing standing water from your yard, it’s also a good idea to invest in a mosquito prevention program by professionals. There are many people and pet safe options that will minimize the number of mosquitoes in your yard and protect your from these harmful pests. Fill out the contact form below for a free quote, today!