Tick and Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Symptoms & Prevention

Mosquitoes and Disease

West Nile Virus is the most common disease transmitted by mosquitoes within the US. The transmission of disease occurs as a mosquito bites you, dispensing saliva and anticoagulant into your bloodstream. 1 out of 500 mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus in areas where the virus is present. Other disease carried by mosquitoes include Malaria, Dengue Fever, Zika, and Yellow Fever. Animals such as dogs and horses are also at risk of contracting diseases like Heartworm and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

A Deeper Look…

DISEASE		SYMPTOMS	EFFECTS
Heartworm (Animals)	Ask your veterinarian about heartworm prevention methods. Veterinarians use a blood test to check for dog heartworm.	Mild and moderate symptoms may include tiredness, occasional cough. More severe symptoms include trouble breathing, sickly appearance, and signs of heart failure.	Long lasting effects could include lung disease, caval syndrome, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in dogs, ferrets, cats, and other pets.
West Nile Virus	Can cause inflammation of the brain (meningitis or encephalitis)	Most people do not show symptoms. However, some people (1 in 5) will experience fever. In extreme cases, people will experience high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, vision loss, coma, tremors, numbness and paralysis. Those over the age of 60 are at greater risk.	Long term effects can include memory and sleep disorders, movement disorders, difficulty with concentration and overwhelming fatigue.
EEE	EEE can be a life-threatening illness in people and horses. There is no specific medication to treat EEE.	High fever, lack of energy, headache and stiff neck in humans. In animals, symptoms may include fever, weakness, and loss of appetite.	Long term effects can include paralysis, seizures, and minimal brain dysfunction.
Zika	This Aedes albopictus (also known as the Asian Tiger mosquito), may be able to transmit Zika virus. Zika is a serious concern for pregnant women, their partners and couples planning a pregnancy. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika Zika is a serious concern for pregnant women, their partners and couples planning a pregnancy. Zika can sometimes cause serious birth defects in babies, including microcephaly. Babies born with microcephaly have smaller than normal heads and less developed brains.	The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, red eyes and headache.	Long lasting effects can include birth defects in those who are pregnant at time of infection, stillbirth, and miscarriage. Guillain-Barre syndrome has also been reported.
Dengue Fever	Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito There is no specific medicine to treat dengue.	Fever plus rash, vomiting/nausea, aches and pains. (typically behind the eyes.)	Long lasting effects can include alopecia, joint and muscle pain.

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/keep-worms-out-your-pets-heart-facts-about-heartworm-disease

Effective Mosquito Repellents

Mosquitoes have shown to be reactive to both natural and synthetic repellents

When using repellent, make sure that it is EPA registered. The effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents is unknown, including some natural repellents.

The concentration of DEET in a product indicates how long the product will be effective. A higher concentration does not mean that the product will work better; It means that it will be effective for a longer period of time.

Using insect repellents containing DEET should not be harmful if label directions are followed and the product is used safely.

DEET may be used on adults, children, and infants older than 2 months of age.

Picaridin is colorless and nearly odorless product that provides adequate protection. Look for products that contain 5-20% of this active ingredient.

Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been proven to provide protection to the skin.

Permethrin is different from other repellent active ingredients in that it kills ticks and insects that come into contact with it.

Permethrin is a repellent that is never to be applied to skin. Permethrin is applied to clothing and can last even after several washes.

Please be advised to read all labels, never prolong your usage of repellent, and to keep repellent away from eyes, noses, or mouths.

Store repellents safely away from animals and children, and do not apply repellent to bruised or broken skin.

If you believe someone is having an adverse reaction, wash the affected area and contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Reduce Mosquitoes in your Home and Yard

In addition to using repellents, we can prevent mosquitoes from being drawn to our homes and yards by implementing the following measures:

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers

Remove leaf litter from gardens and yards
Drain water from pool covers
Change the water in any and all birdbaths weekly
Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
Dispose of used tires. They are a mosquito breeding site
Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on the property
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, hot tubs and other water
Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
Make sure roof gutters are properly drained, and clean clogged gutters in the fall and spring
Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use

Facts About Mosquitoes

There are 200 types of mosquitoes within the US
There are about 70 different species of mosquito within New York State
Mosquitoes have 4 life stages: egg, larvae, pupae and adult
Some mosquito species actively breed in discarded tires
Weeds, tall grass, and shrubbery provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes
Only females bite to get a blood meal for their eggs
Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in even the smallest amount of standing water within a home
Eggs can develop in any standing water that remains more than 4 days
Itching a mosquito bite can prolong the healing process
Most mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn, when the air is calm and females are most likely to bite. However, this is not the case for a variety of species, who will feed at anytime during the day
Mosquitoes can enter houses and apartments through broken screens and unscreened windows or doors
Mosquitoes use many methods to locate a blood-meal. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans and other animals emit. They also use their receptors and vision to pick up on other cues like body heat, perspiration and skin odor to find a potential host. Research further shows that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colored clothing

Ticks and Disease

Ticks are active all year round, even during winter, whenever temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit
They carry diseases like Lyme Disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Powassan Virus, and Ehrlichiosis
There are around 90 species of ticks within the US
The three main species within New York are the lone star tick, dog tick and the black legged tick

The black legged tick is the most common carrier of Lyme Disease, Powassan Virus, Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis
All life stages bite humans, but nymphs and adult females are most commonly found on people
The lone star tick is a common carrier Ehrlichiosis and Tularemia. The adult female and nymph most frequently bite humans
Allergic reactions associated with consumption of red meat have been reported among persons bitten by lone star ticks
Adult females are distinguished by a white dot or “lone star” on the back
The dog tick is a common carrier for Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Adult females are most likely to bite humans

BLACKLEGGED TICK, also known as the Deer Tick

LONE STAR TICK

AMERICAN DOG TICK

A Deeper Look...

DISEASE	SYMPTOMS	EFFECTS
Lyme Disease	Fever, fatigue, headache, and a skin rash called erythema migraines.	If left untreated, Lyme Disease could give way to infections in the heart, joints, and nervous system.
Tularemia	Fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of ill health.	Long lasting effects can include enlargement of the heart, lung issues like pneumonia, bone infection, and meningitis.
Ehrlichiosis	Rash, chills and fever, severe headache, confusion, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and vomiting.	In those with weakened immune systems, Ehrlichiosis can lead to coma, confusion, and seizures, excess bleeding (hemorrhages) and heart failure.
Babesiosis	Many people who are infected feel fine and do not have any symptoms. Some develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue.	Complications of babesiosis include acute respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, liver and renal failure.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever	Headache, fever, rash, nausea/vomiting, stomach pain/muscle pain, and lack of appetite.	Complications include inflammation in the heart, lungs, and brain. As well as kidney failure, gangrene, enlargement of the liver, and death. Also reported has been hearing loss, partial paralysis, muscle weakness and neurological deficits.
Powassan Virus	Headaches, fever, weakness, vomiting, seizures, meningitis and encephalitis.	Roughly half of those who survive Powassan Virus have reported memory problems, recurring headaches, and loss of muscle mass and strength.

Preventative Measures to Take at Home

Wear light colored clothing.
Walk along the center of trails.
Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks.
Wear long sleeves and pants.
Use repellents as directed.
Carefully inspect your body for ticks.
Conduct Frequent clothing checks.
Keep pets away from tick infested areas and check them before entering the home.
Once home, dry clothing on the highest temperature setting for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.
Use netting over strollers and playpens.

Repellent information

Ticks have shown to be reactive to both natural and synthetic repellents
When using repellent, make sure that it is EPA registered. The effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents is unknown, including some natural repellents
The concentration of DEET in a product indicates how long the product will be effective. A higher concentration does not mean that the product will work better; It means that it will be effective for a longer period of time
Using insect repellents containing DEET should not be harmful if label directions are followed and the product is used safely
DEET may be used on adults, children, and infants older than 2 months of age
Picaridin is colorless and nearly odorless product that provides adequate protection. Look for products that contain 5-20% of this active ingredient
Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been proven to provide protection to the skin
Permethrin is different from other repellent active ingredients in that it kills ticks and insects that come into contact with it
Permethrin is a repellent that is never to be applied to skin, but to fabrics like clothes, shoes, etc. instead. It’s protection can last even after many washes
Please be advised to read all labels, never prolong your usage of repellent, and to keep repellent away from eyes, noses, or mouths
Store repellents safely away from animals and children, and do not apply repellent to bruised or broken skin
If you believe someone is having an adverse reaction, wash the affected area and contact a healthcare provider immediately

Please reference websites for up to date information as information can change without notice.

All products used by ”Mosquito Brothers” are EPA approved or 25(b) except-minimal risk pesticide.

Any questions or concerns, please call 516-321-0606 or 631-440-1881