West Nile Virus

The Dangers of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Protecting Your Family This Season

Mosquitoes might be small, but their impact on human health is substantial. As carriers of various diseases, they pose significant threats to individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Understanding mosquito-borne illnesses and taking preventive measures can help protect your family this season. SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ reviews mosquito-borne illnesses and how to protect your family in this blog.

Understanding Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito-borne illnesses are diseases transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. These insects are notorious for spreading various diseases, including Dengue Fever and West Nile virus. While they might seem like just another summer nuisance, the consequences can be severe.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection common in tropical and subtropical regions. The symptoms often include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, and mild bleeding. In severe cases, Dengue can lead to Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening. Protecting against mosquito bites is crucial if you live in or plan to visit areas where Dengue Fever is prevalent.

The West Nile virus is another disease transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily affecting parts of the United States. While many infected people show no symptoms, some may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe neurological illnesses, making prevention imperative.

Protecting Your Family

Preventing mosquito bites is the first line of defense against these illnesses. Here are some practical steps you can take to safeguard your family:

Use Mosquito Repellents

Applying insect repellent on exposed skin is one of the most effective ways to prevent mosquito bites. Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus as these have proven efficacy.

Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s essential to eliminate potential breeding sites around your home. Regularly empty items that collect water, such as flower pots, birdbaths, and gutters.

Wear Protective Clothing

When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce skin exposure. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and can help keep you cooler in warm weather.

SWAT Mosquito Control Solutions

SWAT Mosquito Systems offers powerful mosquito control solutions designed to help you reclaim your outdoor space and protect your loved ones. With custom mosquito misting systems tailored to your property and professional fogging services for added protection, SWAT creates a barrier that keeps mosquitoes at bay. Don’t let these pests put your family at risk—trust SWAT to deliver effective, long-lasting protection.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Staying informed about outbreaks and the presence of mosquito-borne diseases in your area is vital. Keep an eye on local health advisories and take extra precautions if necessary.

In conclusion, while mosquitoes are a part of our environment, we can take steps to reduce their impact on our health. By understanding the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses and implementing protective measures, you can help ensure your family remains safe and healthy this season.

SWAT Mosquito Misting Systems®️

SWAT Mosquito Misting Systems®️ is a licensed Florida pest control company specializing in the design, installation and maintenance of custom mosquito misting systems and fogging. The company has been protecting Florida homes from biting insects since 2006. For a custom estimate, call 866-559-1886.

West Nile and Zika: Is the Threat Over?

For most of the United States, peak mosquito season is over for now, but in South Florida, mosquito season never really ends. This is why you need to be prepared and stay vigilante year-round. The threat of mosquitos and no-see-ums is always there, along with the risk of getting infected by a disease-carrying mosquito. Here in South Florida, we’ve certainly had our share of battling potentially deadly infections – both West Nile virus and Zika. The question becomes: West Nile and Zika: Is the Threat Over?

SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ has answers and how you can help protect yourself and your family.

West Nile Virus in Florida

West Nile Virus is the number one cause of mosquito-borne illnesses diseases in the United States. You can get the virus from the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Most people infected don’t have symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of December 11, 2018, 49 states and the District of Columbia have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitos.

Zika Virus in Miami

The Zika Virus, which is also mostly transmitted by mosquito bites from one person to another, arrived in the U.S. in 2016. Transmission of the disease was reported in Miami and Brownsville, TX. Symptoms include rash, joint pain, fever, and redness in the whites of your eye. But like West Nile Virus, most people experience no symptoms at all. Is Zika Over? According to the CDC, 58 Zika virus disease cases have been reported in the U.S., 10 in Florida alone.

Renewed Threats

We all remember how West Nile and Zika dominated headlines a few years ago, in 2016. The summer of 2017 was pretty quiet with only five cases of West Nile virus being reported. But action picked up this summer (2018), and as of last month, the state reported 19 cases. In the latest case, a mosquito in Miami tested positive for West Nile.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

There are a number of steps you can take towards preventing no-see-um and mosquito bites. You can also take preventative measures in your backyard. We highly recommend using mosquito control systems to fight these annoying biting insects. A mosquito misting system works best as a preventative approach to the spreading of mosquito and insect-borne diseases.

Try Our Custom-Built Misting System

SWAT Mosquito Misting Systems create a mosquito prevention perimeter around your home via a custom-built misting system. You can set the system to activate three to four times a day for anywhere from 20 to 45 seconds. You will definably notice a difference. We guarantee it!

You can clearly see the difference when comparing it to mosquito fogging.

Call Us and Make an Appointment

So, to answer the question “West Nile and Zika: Is the Threat Over?”, our research says – no, far from it, which is why it’s crucial for you to do what you can, to protect yourself and your family. When looking for mosquito control, call SWAT, Florida’s best mosquito control system and make an appointment for a free consultation and estimate. Call us at 866-900-SWAT or schedule an appointment on our website. We look forward to working with you.

How To Prevent West Nile Virus And Other Mosquito Transmitted Diseases

Is it Possible to Stop the West Nile Virus Transmitted by Mosquitos?

Those little insects buzzing around your porch or campsite are more than just annoying. As science and technology have developed, there has been an increase in identification of mosquito diseases. Malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are unfortunately common mosquito transmitted diseases in parts of the developing world. While we don’t have to worry about these specific mosquito borne diseases in United States, we have recently become vulnerable to one of the most common mosquito bite diseases. West Nile virus, one of many worldwide mosquito-borne illnesses, was first identified in the United States in 1999. These West Nile mosquitos have made their presence known every summer since and has showed up in all 48 of the contiguous states. What can you do to prevent West Nile and other mosquito bite diseases? Keep reading for some information that will turn you into an expert on mosquito transmitted diseases.

Is West Nile Virus different from other mosquito borne diseases?

All mosquito diseases are different, but they do share some things in common. Like all mosquito-borne illnesses, the virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito. West Nile mosquitos, however, first procure the disease after feeding on an infected bird. Once a human is infected with West Nile virus, the disease can cause a very high fever, and inflammation of the brain and/or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Thankfully between 70 – 80% of people that get West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

Who is most at risk for West Nile virus and other mosquito transmitted diseases?

As mentioned, the vast majority of people who are infected with the virus do not show any symptoms. About twenty percent of those infected will develop less-severe symptoms such as a fever, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. While lingering weakness will last for weeks, patients will almost always completely recover with this level of West Nile. The most severe symptoms brought on by West Nile mosquitoes affect less than one percent of those infected but lead to serious neurological issues. It will take from many weeks to months to recover from severe West Nile virus and, even so, there may be permanent effects. The most severe stages will lead to death in approximately ten percent of those infected. While everyone can contract mosquito bite diseases, those over the age of sixty are more likely to experience the severe symptoms. Preexisting medical conditions and ailments will also put someone at greater risk.

How can I prevent catching mosquito-borne illnesses?

While there is no current vaccination for West Nile virus, there are certain precautions you can take to prevent this infection and other mosquito borne diseases. Naturally, the best way to do so is to prevent mosquitoes from biting you. Wearing insect repellent is one of the most popular defenses, but covering all of your skin during the dusk and dawn hours is equally as effective. Making sure all of the screens on your house are secure will prevent insects from getting indoors, and getting rid of any standing water from around your home will reduce mosquito breeding and hatching grounds. Our technology at SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ has also proven time and again to be highly effective in eliminating these pesky insects from your house and surrounding property.

West Nile virus is not to be taken lightly, and the best way to keep you and your family safe is to reduce the contact you have with mosquitos. SWAT Mosquito Systems®️provides a safe, affordable, and guaranteed way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Contact us today to set up an appointment, and visit the following CDC and WHO websites for more information on this potentially deadly virus.