Mosquitoes can be extremely annoying, but they can also be extremely dangerous. That’s because mosquitoes are known vectors for disease, which means they can transmit diseases from one human to another. Although vector-borne illnesses aren’t as big of a threat in Miami, FL and the rest of the U.S. as they are in some third-world countries, there are still plenty of risks associated with mosquito bites. Here’s a look at some of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and how you can protect yourself and your family with a mosquito control system.
Malaria
Malaria is a sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. Symptoms of malaria include high fever, shaking chills, and severe flu-like illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1,500 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an arthropod-borne virus most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. WNV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), and febrile illness. WNV has been detected in every state except Hawaii and Alaska.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Although dengue fever rarely occurs in the continental United States, it is endemic in nearby Puerto Rico.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States. Mosquitoes play an essential role in the heartworm life cycle and are responsible for spreading heartworm disease from one pet to another.
If you want to keep your family and your pets safe from these and other vector-borne diseases, contact Platinum Mosquito Protection today. We sell, install, and service outdoor automatic mosquito misting systems in Miami, Coral Gables, Boca Raton, and the surrounding areas. Visit our website or call us at 954-888-9311 to learn more about our mosquito control systems.
