Increasing Mosquito Disease Danger Days
Increasing Mosquito Disease Danger Days In The United States
A recent report from EcoWatch.com has warned Americans that mosquito-borne "disease danger days" are on the rise across the country. This finding comes from an analysis at Climate Central, which examined temperature trends and compared them to the temperature ranges of disease transmission. Combined with an extension in the biting season due to light pollution, EcoWatch.com predicts a surge in West Nile Viruses and other diseases carried by mosquitos.
Temperature Affects Disease Transmission
The analysis found an elevated risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission exists when temperatures are between 61 degrees and 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Why? Because, according to the analysis, temperature affects the viability of mosquitos and directly contributes to their survival.
Optimal temperatures cause these pests to thrive, especially during cold winter months which should normally kill off much of the mosquito population. Increasing temperatures also shortens the "Extrinsic Incubation Period" (EIP), which is a fancy way of describing how long it takes for a virus to develop inside an insect.
Northern and Southern States are Affected
94% of the 244 cities studied are now experiencing more "danger days" since 1970.
The cities with the largest increase in danger days were ranked: the top five cities included Reno, NV; San Francisco; Santa Maria, CA; Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX.
Northern states are also experiencing increased danger days. States such as Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York and Vermont have also seen a jump in the increased climate dangers of vector-borne transmission.
Urban expansion has also led to an increase in areas that normally haven't dealt with serious mosquito problems as found in a study published by Ohio State University.
Mosquitos and Vector-Born Diseases
It is well established that mosquitos carry "vector-borne" diseases throughout the U.S. A total of nine reportable diseases are carried by American mosquitos.
These diseases range from mildly annoying to deadly, and include West Nile virus, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, Yellow Fever, St. Louis Encephalitis and Eastern Equine Encephalitis viruses.
Although some of these illnesses are mostly found in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, the continental U.S. has seen an influx of Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses in Hawaii, Florida and Texas.
The Takeaway: Protect Yourself
What does this mean for you? First and foremost, it means that extra vigilance is needed to protect you and your family. Avoid outdoor areas when mosquitos are most active, such as early morning or in the evenings. Stayin covered by wearing long sleeves, long pants and light-colored clothing can help.
Make sure to shut up your home as much as possible. Keep your house cool with air conditioning, and shut your windows and doors as much as possible. If you want to bring fresh air into your home, install screens for your windows and doors. If mosquitos keep getting inside, you may want to sleep under a mosquito bed net to protect yourself at night.
MosquitoNix® products and services are also excellent ways to protect your family in your backyard and beyond. From our MosquitoNix Misting System to our portable, on-the-go options, our products will cover you quickly and easily anywhere you go!
Contact us today for more information about how to decrease your personal "danger days" and keep yourself safe and healthy. Make Mosquitos A Thing Of The Past. Eliminate mosquitos and other common pests when you hire us here at MosquitoNix.
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