Mosquito Borne Diseases : Automated Mosquito Misting Systems : Homeland Defense Corp. : Valdosta GA

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Mosquito Borne Diseases : Homeland Defense Corp. : Valdosta GA

Facts (continued):
The Mechanics of a Mosquito

Diseases

Not HIV The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS cannot survive in a mosquito, and therefore cannot be transmitted from one person to another through mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes can carry many types of diseases that are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses. These diseases include:

Malaria - Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by an Anopheles mosquito. The parasite grows in your bloodstream and can produce symptoms that develop anywhere from six to eight days to several months after infection.The symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and general malaise (similar to flu symptoms). Malaria is a severe disease that can be fatal, but can be treated with antimalarial drugs. Malaria is prevalent in tropical or sub-tropical climates.

Yellow Fever - Yellow fever does not occur in the United States, but is found in Africa and Northern Mexico ; it is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Yellow fever produces symptoms similar to malaria, but also includes nausea, vomiting and jaundice. Like malaria, yellow fever can be fatal. There is no treatment for the disease itself, only the symptoms. Yellow fever can be controlled by vaccination and mosquito control.
Encephalitis - Encephalitis is caused by viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes such as the Aedes mosquitoes or Culiseta mosquitoes. The symptoms of encephalitis include high fever, stiff neck, headache, confusion and laziness/sleepiness. There are several types of encephalitis that can be transmitted by mosquitos, including St. Louis, Western equine, Eastern equine (the primary concern in South Georgia) , La Crosse and West Nile. West Nile encephalitis (first encountered in the U.S. in 1999) is on the rise in the United States, which has raised concerns about mosquito control (see Overview of West Nile Virus for more information).
Dengue Fever - Dengue fever is transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, which is native to East Asia and was found in the United States in 1983. It is also transmitted by Aedes aegypti in the tropics. Dengue fever is caused by a virus that produces a range of illnesses, from viral flu to hemorrhagic fever. It is especially dangerous for children (see Dengue Fever & Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever for more information).

The best way to reduce mosquito-borne diseases is through mosquito control and personal protection.

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Bibliography

Mosquito: A Natural History of Our Most Persistent and Deadly Foe
-Andrew Spielman, Sc.D., and Michael D'Antonio

How a Mosquito Works-Craig C. Freudenrich, PHD

Photographer: Jim Gathany