Mosquito-Borne Diseases Prevalent in North America

You’ve probably heard of common mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus or Zika virus, but did you know that these diseases have been found in mosquitoes living in North America? The reality is, mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise in Canada and the United States, and bite prevention is more important than ever.

What can happen if I contract West Nile virus or Zika virus?

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in North America, and is most commonly contracted through mosquito bites. While most people who do become infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms, about 1 in 5 people develop fever-like symptoms, while about 1 in 150 develop serious illnesses that can be fatal. Serious complications resulting from a West Nile virus infection are disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, and paralysis. Even for those who eventually recover from severe illness, their nervous system may be permanently affected.

Similarly, Zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with Zika virus will have only mild symptoms (such as a fever, rash, red eyes, joint and muscle pain, and headaches), it is possible for Zika virus to be fatal. What is particularly worrisome about Zika virus is that it can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, which can result in birth defects, and has been linked to related issues such as miscarriages, stillbirths, and other defects.

When it comes to both West Nile virus and Zika virus, there is unfortunately no known medication or vaccine that can be used to prevent or cure the disease.

How did diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus arrive in North America?

The main factor in the spread of viruses like West Nile and Zika is the changing climate of the world over recent decades. As the weather gets warmer in the Northern hemisphere, we are seeing an influx of mosquitoes migrating in from warmer areas where they once stayed. Changes in weather patterns – including temperature increases, changing rainfall patterns, and less frost – allow for more ideal climates for mosquitoes to live and breed in when they arrive. As the population of mosquitoes increases in North America, the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases increases, too.

What can I do to help prevent a mosquito-borne disease from affecting myself and my family?

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of contracting West Nile or Zika virus, the best way to prevent becoming infected is to protect you and your family from being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.

At Mosquito Hero, we use federally approved mosquito control products, applied by highly-trained and licensed employees, to create a barrier on your property that protects you from potentially dangerous mosquitoes. Our products help control and/or repel mosquitoes that may carry harmful diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus.

Let Mosquito Hero help you take back your yard, so you can start enjoying the outdoors again. Request a free quote today!