You would be surprised to know that Massachusetts is second on the list in terms of mosquito population, with Boston being the #1 worst city in the state! Out of several mosquito-borne diseases, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile Virus, are the most deadly mosquito-borne diseases that can spread in Massachusetts. These diseases can be extremely dangerous to the point of sometimes being fatal.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
EEE is a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease that affects the brain of the infected person. The infected person can experience symptoms ranging from fever, cold, and body aches to serious neurological symptoms like inflammation of the brain. The mosquito that causes EEE is of the breed Culiseta Melanura and can infect both humans and animals. EEE has a high mortality rate and people who survive have long-lasting neurological problems.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile Virus is another deadly mosquito-borne disease that is caused by the Culex mosquitoes which are very common in Massachusetts. Symptoms include body aches, headache, fever, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Some cases of WNV show no symptoms at all which makes it difficult for people to detect it early on. In severe infection cases, symptoms like inflammation of the brain, paralysis, and tremors can occur in individuals.
Prevention
Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus have no vaccines or treatment options. However, both of these can be prevented by doing the following things:
Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent on exposed skin when going out or spending time outdoors. Follow the product’s instructions for effective protection. Look for ingredients like oil of lemon eucalyptus as it proves to be effective against mosquito bites.
Wear protective clothing when going outside like long sleeves, socks, trousers, gloves if possible. Wearing protective clothing is especially important when going outdoors during dusk and dawn.
Install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
Eliminate standing water as it can become an egg-laying ground for mosquitoes. Make sure your house has no still open water containers like birdbaths, or flower pots or there are no open gutters around your house. If you have to have open water containers, make sure to cover them with screens to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing.
If you find yourself surrounded by mosquitoes at night and sometimes during the day it's a sign that you should immediately contact a professional pest control. RidAway is one such pest control service that will provide quick solutions to urgent problems. It uses biologically friendly pesticides that leave your home safe to return to and is state-licensed and industry-certified. For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
