The best ways to repel mosquitoes and prevent bites. Avoid contracting these illnesses
On warm summer nights in Louisiana, constantly swatting at pesky mosquitoes and itching bites can easily make your mood turn sour.
Mosquitoes are often a significant problem during warmer months in Louisiana, as the state has high mosquito populations because of the hot, humid climate and numerous bodies of water.
Mosquitoes can be not only annoying, but they can also pose health risks to humans by being transmitters of a number of various illnesses.
Mosquitoes can carry various diseases and viruses, and may transmit these illnesses when the insect bites and injects saliva containing pathogens into the host's blood. Illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes can range in severity from mid to life-threatening. Common types of mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, Western Equine Encephalitis and Zika, according to World Mosquito Program.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite spread by infected mosquitoes. In some instances, the illness can be treated with antimalarial drugs, says the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Dengue is a disease caused by any of four closely-related dengue viruses, and severe dengue could have potentially deadly complications. People who get dengue a second time can become much sicker than the first time they had Dengue. Transmission is common is tropical and subtropical climates, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Zika virus spreads primarily through bites from certain mosquito types, and transmission is common in tropical and subtropical climates. Most people don't develop symptoms, but can still pass the virus to others. Symptoms are usually mild and last several days to a week, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical areas. Most people feel better within a week, however, in some people, joint paint may persist. Death is uncommon, says the Texas Department of State Health Services.
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and is not passed from person to person. Most infected people will not develop symptoms, however, they can develop mild to severe symptoms and, though uncommon, death can occur, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Yellow fever is a viral disease that typically has a short duration and symptoms tend to improve within five days, however, approximately 30,000 people around the world die from yellow fever every year. Jaundice can affect some patients, says the World Mosquito Program.
Western Equine Encephalitis is a viral illness that is transmitted to people and horses through bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with this virus will not become ill, however, others may develop a mild illness. A small percentage of people may require hospitalization, says the Texas Department of State Health Services.
In order to effectively prevent and repel mosquitoes, the CDC recommends combining personal protection measures with environmental control.
Using EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus helps prevent mosquito bites. Additionally, natural repellents like citronella, essential oils and garlic can prevent mosquitoes.
Covering exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks is also recommended. Clothing can also be treated with permethrin, which is a pesticide that repels insects when applied to fabric, according to Brown University Health.
Any containers that hold water should regularly be checked, emptied or scrubbed in order to eliminate standing water. Moving water should be maintained within water features, however, if mosquitoes can't seem to be rid from a water source, Mosquito Dunks can be used.
Mosquito Dunks are small tablets that contain a naturally occurring bacterium that is toxic to mosquito larvae, but not harmful to humans, pets or other wildlife. The tablets float on the surface of standing water and slowly release the bacterium, killing the mosquito larvae that consume it.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What viruses do mosquitoes carry? How many can be deadly? What to know
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