Mosquitoes can be more than a minor annoyance

  • Published
  • By Public Health Flight
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Beware! As temperatures warm, creatures awaken and look to feed on the humans out enjoying the weather.

What are these terrible monsters?

Mosquitoes. they return in force every year and transmit disease to more than 700 million people all over the world.

Northwest Florida residents and tourists are exposed to three separate viruses during the mosquito months. 

West Nile Virus:
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito. Approximately 80 percent of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. Up to 20 percent of those infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea and vomiting. Only one in 150 people infected will develop severe illness. These symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. 

Eastern Equine Encephalitis:
The virus that causes EEE occurs in the eastern half of the United States where it infects humans, horses and some bird species. Because of the high mortality rate, it is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. It generally takes from three to 10 days to develop symptoms of EEE after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Many infected with the virus have no apparent illness. In those persons who do develop illness, symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), coma and death. 

St. Louis Encephalitis:
The incubation period for this disease is usually five to 15 days. Many persons infected with St. Louis encephalitis virus will not develop an apparent illness. Those with mild illness often report only a headache and fever. More severe infection is marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions (especially in infants) and paralysis.

The elderly and very young are especially at risk of developing a severe illness if infected with WNV, EEE or SLV. Controlling the mosquito population and protection from bites are the most efficient means to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. 

Reducing mosquito populations can be achieved by removing the breeding spots necessary for mosquito populations to increase. Most mosquitoes found in Florida need water to lay their eggs and for them to hatch, and they often prefer small, dark spaces. 

Here are some tips to recude mosquito habitat: 
  • Empty, invert of dispose of containers in which water can collect.
  • Seal and cover cesspool or septic tank openings. 
  • Stock ponds with fish and remove excess vegetation.
  • Avoid excessive watering of lawns and fields and drain puddles.
  • Change water frequently in bird baths.
  • Use recirculating pumps in house cooler drains or connect to sewer.
  • Drain ditches in residential areas to stream channel system or other outlet.
  • Use grades on street and stormwater catch basins. 
  • Fill tree holes with sand, mortar or drain.
  • Filter swimming and wading pools regularly and cover or empty when not in use.
  • Drain or pump water from under homes.
  • Frequently clean roof gutters to remove blockage. 
  • A large mosquito population should be reported to your local mosquito abatement agency.
Here are some tips to protect against bites:
  • Wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and pants, especially tightly woven fabrics such as denim, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes tend to feed.
  • Use an insect repellant on all exposed skin when going outdoors. Repellants containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are the most effective. Follow the label instructions and supervise children when using any repellant.
  • Window and door screens (14 to 18 wires/inch) that fight tightly are most effective at keeping mosquitoes out of your home. Bed nets are also effective and should be used if regular screens are not available, such as during camping.
Following these guidelines can protect you and your family from becoming infected with a mosquito-borne disease.