As August drew its dying breaths, many mosquitoes did, too. The people of one Massachusetts town, worried about a potentially lethal mosquito-borne illness, took precautions against them.
The town even shut down public parks and fields at night, tagging them as “high-risk” spots for mosquito-borne illness. But who can blame them? Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has no cure and can be lethal. Hence, prevention is the best cure.
A Horse Diagnosis Heightened Vigilance on Mosquito-Borne Illness
The town of Plymouth renewed preventive measures after a horse was diagnosed, raising the town’s risk level to “high.” According to the town statement, EEE-infected mosquitoes have previously been identified in Plymouth County (Halifax and Kingston), Barnstable County (Barnstable), and Essex County (Amesbury and Haverhill).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says there is no EEE vaccine; however, contracting it is rare. Still, people’s fears are not misplaced. About 30% of people with Eastern Equine Encephalitis don’t make it. And those who survive have to deal with neurologic problems.
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What Are the Symptoms of the New Mosquito Virus?
Symptoms of the new mosquito-borne virus can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness.
In the town’s statement, Michelle Bratti, Plymouth’s Commissioner of Health and Human Services, urged people to take extra precautions while outdoors and follow state and local health guidelines to avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus, especially since Plymouth’s EEE risk status is now high.
As part of efforts to combat the spread, the town announced that it is now spraying nightly to reduce the mosquito population. It has urged residents to take strict measures against mosquito populations in their yards.
During peak biting times for mosquitoes, the town’s statement urged people to consider rescheduling outdoor activities, especially in areas of high risk.”
This year, cases have been identified in three states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont. Last year, seven cases were identified in the United States.
How To Stop Mosquito Itching?
The first rule to abide by to stop the itching is to avoid scratching the bite spot. Doing so will put you at risk of breaking skin and exposing yourself to infection. If you accidentally break your skin, keep the area clean by washing it with soap and water and covering any mosquito bites with a bandage.
Mosquito bites only last a few days. However, if you can’t wait that long, many over-the-counter products or home remedies can stop the itching. Good examples are antihistamines and hydrocortisone, but remember to check with your healthcare provider before trying them. You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction to your skin.
What Is the Name of a Female Mosquito?
The adult female mosquito does not have a specific name, but it is reported that only the female species of mosquitoes suck blood. There are three different species responsible for transmitting mosquito-borne illness to people.
They include the Aedes aegypti, a “day biter,” Culex pipiens, which hunts at dusk, and Anopheles stephensi, which is most active at night.
They bite people and animals late in the evening or at night because they need blood to produce eggs. Adult female Anopheles mosquitoes prefer to feed on people or animals, such as cattle. However, they can also feed on humans, during which the transmission of mosquito-borne illness is possible.
Do Mosquitoes Sleep?
Yes, mosquitoes sleep. Those studied in the lab have been known to sleep a lot — usually between 16 and 19 hours a day, depending on the species and the stimulation around them.
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When mosquitoes sleep, researchers say their hind legs drool, and their bodies rest closer to the surface. It is not easy to tell when this is happening, as mosquitoes are often very perched for long periods of time between meals to conserve energy.
The three different species mentioned earlier are active at different times during the day, so it is important to maintain all-around vigilance at all times, especially when outdoors in areas at risk of EEE, like Plymouth.
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