Posted On: June 20th 2021

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June 20, 2021

Long Island, NY

Can Mosquitos Spread Diseases in Nassau and Suffolk County

With the world facing new challenges almost every month from new variants of the Covid-19 virus, many people have wondered if mosquitos can act as a transmissible factor. These insects have been known to transit a wide range of viruses including Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya among others. This makes it essential to take all measures of mosquito control. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet been able to find evidence of mosquitos acting as carriers of the Covid-19 virus.

Disease Transmission Aspects of Mosquitos

There are over 2,700 species of mosquitos and not all of them can transmit pathogens. Even individual mosquitos within a population of the same species show variation in terms of their rates of infection and transmission. Another key aspect that makes a difference here is that only female mosquitos feed on blood, not their male counterparts.

When a mosquito becomes infected with a pathogen, such as a virus, they are known as a vector. However, most vectors are incapable of transmitting the virus when feeding blood.

Mosquitos as Potential Transmitters of Covid-19

When it comes to the question of mosquitos having the potential to transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the WHO reports the absence of any evidence of the same. The reputed organization claims that this novel coronavirus is a respiratory virus and spreads mostly from the droplets produced when infected individual sneezes or coughs. The droplets from nasal discharge or saliva can also act as the spreading factor.

There are valid scientific reasons why mosquitos cannot spread Covid-19. However, they can still spread many other diseases and you should consider spraying the right treatments on your property to keep your family, employees, and visitors safe.

The following pointers should clear all your doubts about mosquitos spreading the new coronavirus.

For a mosquito to transmit any virus, it must first go through the following processes:

• Infect the mosquito
• Pass through the mosquito’s gut
• Reach its salivary glands

A June 2020 study found that when the virus was injected into the Aedes mosquito, it was unable to replicate within its cells. Samples of thousands of mosquitos from an infected area found a negative report. In another study, multiple types of mosquitos were injected with the virus. Still, the virus could not replicate within their cells. Thus, it has so far been established that mosquitos cannot transmit Covid-19.

Diseases That Mosquitos Spread

While these insects cannot spread Covid-19, they have been found to spread many other diseases. Some of the common and serious diseases they can spread are as follows:

• Zika: The Zika virus causes symptoms such as red eyes, fever, rash, and joint pain. It is more serious for pregnant women and their babies. It is capable of causing birth defects. Mosquitos have been found to spread this disease in different parts of the world.
• West Nile: Remember, there is no vaccine to prevent the West Nile, so mosquito control is the only protection. Vectors of the West Nile virus can transmit the disease through their bites. If you get a bite from a vector, you are most likely not to have any symptoms. However, some patients may have diarrhea, joint pain, fever, rash, and/or vomiting. This disease has been found in almost all states except Hawaii and Alaska.
• Dengue: While dengue is rare in North America, it is common in areas that receive tourists. It can be associated with fever, bruising, gum bleeding, rash, and headache. Severe conditions can cause hemorrhagic fever and be fatal. There is a vaccine, but it is effective only in children of a specific age group who have already been infected.
• Jamestown Canyon Virus: Mosquitos spread this virus in the United States and it is important to protect your family with the help of mosquito misting systems. It accompanies flu-like symptoms –fever with headache. The severe condition has symptoms such as inflammation in the spinal cord or brain. Different species of mosquitos have been known to carry and spread this disease.
• Snowshoe Hare Virus: This disease gets its name from the snowshoe hare, the animal it was first found in. Its initial cases were found in Canada, but it is now prevalent in the United States as well. The common symptoms of this disease include dizziness, rash, headache, and vomiting. It is also capable of causing brain inflammation.

Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, La Crosse Encephalitis, and Rift Valley Fever are some of the other common diseases spread by mosquitos. Thus, there are many diseases that these insects can spread and it is best to take all the precautions to protect your family and employees.

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Suffolk (631) 862-5281
Nassau (516) 252-3588