The world’s most dangerous creature isn’t a shark, snake, or spider. It is a small bug that may carry severe illnesses with only one bite. It’s the mosquito, and it’s headed back to Texas shortly.
Mosquitoes cause about 700,000 fatalities per year, according to the World Health Organization. They transmit viruses including malaria, dengue, Zika, West Nile, and chikungunya, which can cause serious sickness and problems in humans and animals. Mosquitoes are particularly active and prolific in warm, humid settings like Texas.
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Why is Texas at risk?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas has one of the highest rates of mosquito-borne illnesses in the United States. This is because Texas has a huge and diversified mosquito population, some of which carry hazardous illnesses. Texas also provides ideal climatic conditions for mosquito development and survival, including high temperatures, rainfall, and vegetation.
Some of the most frequent and harmful mosquito species in Texas include:
Aedes aegypti is the major vector for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. It is a domestic mosquito that grows in artificial containers like tires, buckets, and flower pots that mostly feed on humans during the day. It is prevalent in cities and suburbs, particularly around human settlements.
Aedes albopictus, widely known as the Asian tiger mosquito, gets its name from its unique black and white stripes. It serves as a secondary vector for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, as well as a possible vector for yellow fever. It is an invasive mosquito that originated in Asia and has spread around the world, including Texas. It has similar breeding and feeding behaviors as Aedes aegypti, although it can also live in rural and woodland areas.
Culex quinquefasciatus is the primary vector of West Nile virus, which can cause fever, headaches, body pains, and, in rare cases, encephalitis or meningitis. It is a nocturnal mosquito that develops in stagnant water sources such as ditches, ponds, and storm drains. It feeds mostly on birds, but sometimes on humans and other animals. It is ubiquitous throughout Texas, both urban and rural.
How to prevent and manage mosquito-borne infections
The most effective strategy to prevent and control mosquito-borne illnesses is to limit exposure and contact with mosquitos. This may be accomplished by doing a few basic actions, like:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and slacks outside, especially around dawn and twilight, when mosquitos are most active.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus oil, and strictly adhere to the package directions. Use repellents on exposed skin and clothes, and reapply as required.
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- Avoid standing water where mosquitos might grow, and drain or remove any water-holding containers like tires, buckets, and flower pots. Replace the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week.
- To keep mosquitos out of your house, install or maintain window and door screens and, if accessible, utilize air conditioning.
- Report any dead birds to your local health agency, since they may signal the presence of West Nile virus in your region.
- If you get signs of a mosquito-borne disease, such as fever, rash, joint discomfort, or headache, consult your doctor and tell them about your travel history and insect exposure.
Final Words
The coming back of mosquitoes to Texas is very bad for public health because the state is perfect for mosquitoes to live and breed, and mosquito-borne diseases are very common there. Diseases like dengue and Zika are a threat to the state because of species like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus that live there. Protecting yourself from mosquitoes and getting medical help right away if you think you might have a disease that mosquitoes spread are the best ways to avoid getting them.