It is the rare individual that loves mosquitoes. Not only is that buzzing noise and subsequent bite annoying, it can lead to far more than just an itchy bite. Yes, mosquitoes carry some very nasty, deadly diseases that can even kill you.
Mosquitoes are perfect disease host. They transfer diseases by piercing skin and injecting numbing saliva. This injection process also sends along whatever bacteria, virus and other nasties they are carrying.
In South America, Asia and Africa, mosquitoes are feared because the transport the Malaria disease. It is a huge problem. Hundreds of millions of cases occur each year, and there appears to be no let up in the future.
Malaria is nasty because it is a parasite that reproduces in the liver and then spreads through the body. It can lead to death, but mostly stops with misery. Fatigue, the shakes and massive sweating are the common symptoms.
A step up from Malaria is Dengue Fever. Dengue used to be fairly isolated, but has now spread to over 100 countries through Africa and Asia thanks to the friendly mosquito. There is no cure to the disease and there is an aggressive version that kills.
Dengue Fever carries a scary reputation because of the worst case scenario that can arise. You get a fever, the shakes and sweats. Then, you bleed out from just about everywhere including your gums.
Encephalitis is a nasty disease transported by the mosquito host as well. It is a viral infection that severely impacts the brain by causing inflammation. The brain literally swells until it is damaged when crushed up against the skull.
Yellow Fever is yet another wicked disease carried by mosquitoes. It is a virus transferred during the mosquito bite. In most cases, it results in fever and vomiting for a three to four day period and that is all. In roughly 15 percent of the cases, it can be much worse.
For the unlucky people that fall within this percentage, Yellow Fever is horrific. High temperatures do not go away. The body literally turns yellow and you bleed from orifices including the eyes. Half of those with this version die within two weeks.
At this point, it has probably become obvious that mosquitoes are the bringers of misery and death. Treating all these diseases is impossible, so killing the mosquitoes is critical. Widespread spraying works, but has to be done consistently.
What about around your home? The answer is water. Wherever there is sitting water, mosquitoes can breed. Make sure to walk around the yard and eliminate all standing water.
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