Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Mosquito Transmitted Viral Diseases

Mosquitoes are notorious for their disease-carrying capabilities. They are responsible for transmitting humans with a variety of potentially dangerous and deadly diseases. This article discusses some viral diseases that can be transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. The list of mosquito transmitted viral diseases includes malaria, dengue fever, several forms of equine encephalitis, West Nile virus and yellow fever.

Malaria

Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases, which is spread by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The disease is connected with a wide range of symptoms, from body ache and fever to serious infection that leads to coma, seizures and even death.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is an acute viral infectious disease caused by Aedes aegypti, a domestic, day-biting mosquito. Infection with dengue viruses produces a variety of illness ranging from vague sickness to fatal blood disease. Common symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, high fever, muscle aches and pain, rash, weakness, nausea and vomiting.

Encephalitis

A viral disease, Encephalitis is transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes. It reasons severe inflammation of the brain that may lead to eternal brain damage. The majority viral encephalitis infections don't create any symptoms at all. It only leads to common flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, malaise and muscle ache. In rare cases, it may direct to severe symptoms such as stiff neck or back, high fever, vomiting sensitivity to light and confusion.

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Generally, people infected with the virus will not develop any symptoms at all. However, the possibility of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old. Fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is the most serious symptom of WNV infection.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a tropical disease transmitted between humans by mosquitoes. It occurs only in tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa. People with mild symptoms of yellow fever may experience fever, bloody nose, headache, nausea and slow heartbeat. The severity of the disease is ranging from an influenza-like syndrome to hemorrhagic fever and severe hepatitis.

Other viral diseases that are transmitted to humans from the bite of mosquitoes include epidemic polyarthritis, Rift Valley fever, Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest disease.

It is advisable to use natural mosquito repellents such as the Skin Armour Deep Woods Outdoor Soap, which contains in it a protective shield to safeguard you from many serious illnesses due to mosquito bites.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Various Methods to Control Mosquitoes

Mosquito bite! It is really something cause headache to each and every individual. Controlling mosquitoes is the only way to keep away the diseases caused by the mosquito bite. You can maintain your local mosquito population under control by removing their habitat on your property, and stay away from their irritating bites by using the right repellents and barriers. Here are some tips to control mosquitoes and there by improve your health conditions.

Since mosquitoes need water (especially stagnant or slow moving water) to breed, eliminate these water sources. Remove standing water in old tires, plastic covers, buckets, aluminum cans, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can live and breed. Keep gutters clean and unclogged. Keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated otherwise your swimming pool will be a mosquitoes breeding place. To destroy potential mosquito habitats, change the water in bird baths, wading pools, fountains, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least one time a week.

Keep ornamental ponds aerated to remain water moving. It discourages mosquitoes from laying eggs. You can also stock the pond with mosquito-eating fish. Adult mosquitoes rest throughout the day, usually on tall weeds and other vegetation. By mowing the lawn regularly, you can make your yard less hospitable to mosquitoes.

Door screens and window should be 16-18 mesh and fit snugly, with no gaps around the edges. Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights. Treat clothing, sunshades, and screen houses with a permithrin-based product, such as Permanone. It not only repels both mosquitoes and ticks, but also will last through several washes on your clothing. When outdoors, use head nets, long sleeves and long pants. You can also apply a DEET free mosquito repellent according to the directions on the label.

You can also use natural mosquito repellent soaps that are available commercially. These products are effective against adult and larval mosquitoes. A light spray application around building foundations, shrubs, and grasses will keep adult mosquitoes from resting in these areas. Before purchasing, look for EPA-approved products. If used in windless conditions, use of some other repellent products - such as mosquito coils and citronella candles - may also be effectual. Make use of only EPA-registered mosquito repellents and follow label directions and precautions closely.