West Nile virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted to humans primarily by the Culex tarsalis mosquito, usually in late June, July, August and early September. This risk varies from year to year based on precipitation, temperature, mosquito population and other factors. Who is at Risk? Anyone can be exposed to a WNV – infected mosquito during the summer months. Severe illness has occurred in all age groups, but more often among older adults or people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems. How do I protect against WNV? Reduce the time you spend outside between dusk and dawn. Apply an appropriate mosquito repellent. Wear light-coloured, ... Read Full Story

The mosquito is a major cause of a number of serious diseases throughout the world. Five of the most prevalent mosquito borne diseases are Malaria, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue Fever, and West Nile Virus. Malaria is the most common of these serious diseases caused by mosquitoes. Well over a million people die from this disease world wide each year. Just like bed bugs, mosquitoes are attracted by the heat of your body as well as the carbon dioxide that you exhale. The female mosquitoes deposit their eggs into your bloodstream as they feed on your blood. These parasite eggs incubate and mature in ... Read Full Story

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and Europe face a new health threat from a mosquito-borne disease far more unpleasant than the West Nile virus that swept into North America a decade ago, a U.S. expert said on Friday. Chikungunya virus has spread beyond Africa since 2005, causing outbreaks and scores of fatalities in India and the French island of Reunion. It also has been detected in Italy, where it has begun to spread locally, as well as France. "We're very worried," Dr. James Diaz of the Louisiana University Health Sciences Center told a meeting on airlines, airports and disease transmission sponsored by the ... Read Full Story

Officials warn people to avoid going outside at dawn and dusk The Palm Beach County Health Department confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus Thursday in its sentinel chickens. http://twurl.nl/4dhz52 Read Full Story

Of all the insects that act as vectors in spreading diseases to man and other animals; mosquitoes are by far the most unique. They not only spread malaria, yellow fever and dengue to human beings, they also do transmit heartworms in dogs and viral encephalitis in horses. Studies show that, there are about 50 species of mosquitoes in the World. This is far more than any other insect. Mosquitoes have been found to show some characteristics that are relatively unique from other insects. For instance an adult mosquito has organs that act as a sensor which assist them in tracking their prey. These sensors ... Read Full Story