Although mosquitoes are present year-round in Texas, they tend to be more active during the summer months. Houston receives substantial rain annually, and July is one of the wettest months for the state. Wetter conditions mean more breeding spots for mosquitoes to lay eggs and expand their population.
While mosquito-borne diseases are not as common in Texas as they are in tropical climates, there are many diseases that may occur within the state. Texas residents who travel to other countries can return with diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, or dengue. Mosquitoes that bite such people can become infected and then pass on the diseases to people around them.
To minimize the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes, public health agencies such as the Central for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend using professional mosquito control services.
6 Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases In Texas
1. Malaria
Malaria is probably one of the most common diseases that is transmitted by mosquitoes in most parts of the world. Although malaria is treatable, sometimes, it can be fatal if not treated correctly. The disease is caused by a parasite that infects a certain species of mosquito that feeds on humans.
Generally, people become sick with malaria when bitten by an infected female anopheles mosquito. Only female mosquitoes can spread malaria and they must have been infected after biting an infected person.
Some of the known symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, muscle aches, and shaking chills. The infected person can also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile Virus is another mosquito-borne disease that is prevalent in the United States, generally and Texas in particular. Like malaria, the disease is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of the disease occur more during mosquito season, covering periods between summer and fall.
According to the CDC, there is currently no vaccine to prevent or medications to treat the virus in people. While most people who are infected by the virus can quickly recover from the disease, some infected people can develop serious, and even fatal illnesses.
3. The Zika Virus
Zika is a viral disease that is commonly spread by the bite of a species of an infected mosquito known as Aedes. In recent times, cases of the Zika virus have skyrocketed, raising concern among public health stakeholders in the country. The virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus. There are also claims that Zika can be transmitted through sex with someone who is carrying the disease.
The most common symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain, rash, red eyes, and muscle pain. There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease.
4. Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is another well-known mosquito-borne disease. It is a painful and disfiguring disease that is caused by a parasitic worm. The disease causes swelling of the legs, scrotum, and breasts, and can be easily transmitted from person to person through bites from infected mosquitoes.
5. Yellow Fever Virus
Yellow fever is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted from one person to another through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. Mosquitoes contract the virus by sucking the blood of infected primates (humans or non-humans) and then transmitting the disease to other primates.
Some of the common symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. There is no cure or treatment for the virus itself at this time. Medical treatment of the disease focuses on addressing the symptoms. While the disease can have mild effects on the infected person, there are also cases of fatality.
6. Dengue
Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted from person to person through bites from an infected mosquito. The disease can cause a severe flu-like illness, sometimes resulting in potentially fatal complications if appropriate treatment is not administered on time.
The species of mosquito that spreads the virus are present in Houston and extreme southern parts of the state. Over the last 50 years, cases of dengue have increased, and it is projected that around 100 million infections will occur annually in over 100 countries in the next 50 years.
Preventing Mosquito-borne Diseases Among Houston, TX Residents
Using protective measures such as insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothes are some of the ways to stay safe, but they won’t protect you from contracting those diseases. Your best bet to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne disease is through a regular and effective mosquito control program.
For effective mosquito control service in Houston, TX, Hartz Pest Control is the name you can trust. For more than 30 years, the company has been offering help to property owners in Texas to eradicate mosquitoes from their homes and businesses.
To learn more about their services, call (713) 461-4866.
