When most people think of mosquito bites, we mainly just shudder at memories of red, itchy welts that seemed to multiply by the day every childhood summer. Their bites itch so much because of the saliva they inject into us while they feed. Everyone has at least a mild reaction to this saliva, hence the itchiness, but some people are allergic to it and develop larger welts that immediately turn red and unbearably itchy.
Unfortunately, mosquito bites have the potential to be far more than just irritating. These pests are vectors for all kinds of deadly diseases that they can transmit to mammals. If a mosquito feeds on an infected host and then goes to a new host, it can then transmit that disease to the subsequent host through their saliva. Every year, mosquitoes are responsible for the deaths of around 1 million people. Certain global regions have a higher number of cases than others, but each mosquito has the potential to become fraught with disease. The most common diseases include West Nile virus, malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
Each one has its own symptoms and lasting health effects, but the most common signs that a person has been infected with one of these diseases are:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Rash
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Aches and pains
If you believe that you or someone in your home has been infected with a mosquito-transmitted disease, please seek medical attention immediately. These are treatable cases if the person is addressed as soon as possible. The experienced technicians at Pointe provide both preventative and responsive mosquito treatments, so you can be sure that your home will stay mosquito-free all year long. Give us a call today to learn more about why our thorough treatments are the best in St. Charles County!