Call 1.800.273.4958

Back to Blog

3 Mosquito Diseases You Can Avoid with Mosquito Control

Thanks to decades of mosquito control and elimination throughout the United States, we do not experience the same volume of arboviral (mosquito-borne) diseases as other countries or global regions. However, infection from mosquitos is still possible in the States, especially in the southeastern regions like Georgia.

Discover three of the most common diseases in Georgia that are contractable through mosquito bites and what you can do to protect your family against infection year after year.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Mosquitoes pass the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus to both people and horses in the US, but infection is extremely rare—annually, there are only 11 Americans infected on average.

Infected mosquito populations are mostly found in the swamplands of the Gulf Coast where humans are less likely to visit or reside. The majority of reported cases occur in regions on or close to the Gulf Coast, including southwest Georgia.

Symptoms – Mild

Some people infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis will only experience flu-like symptoms for a week or so, including:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle weakness

Symptoms – Severe

Other Eastern Equine Encephalitis patients will experience more severe infections that attack the brain, spinal cord, or both, and can result in long-lasting neurological disease, including meningitis.

Signs of severe Eastern Equine Encephalitis include:

  • Cognitive or behavioral problems
  • Coma
  • Excessive fatigue
  • High fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Severe headaches

Those who contract a severe case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis face a 33% chance of death, and survivors can expect to experience varying degrees of long-term damage to the brain and body.

Who Does Severe Eastern Equine Encephalitis Affect the Most?

Those most likely to experience Eastern Equine Encephalitis are children younger than 16 and adults over 50. Infection can occur in those between 16 and 50, as well.

Treatment

There are no preventative vaccinations or medical treatment for an active case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Patients with mild cases are encouraged to rest and increase their fluid intake. Patients with severe infection may require hospitalization for help with hydration, pain management, and around-the-clock nursing care.

La Crosse Encephalitis

La Crosse Encephalitis is statistically a rare disease to contract in the US, with up to 90 cases reported across the country each year. While reporting is low, cases most often come from the eastern region, especially southeastern states like:

  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • North Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia

Symptoms – Mild

Many people infected with La Crosse Encephalitis may not know it because they show no symptoms. Most infections go undetected or appear as mild, flu-like illnesses that last a few days.

Mild symptoms include:

  • Excessive tiredness or lethargy
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms – Severe

While symptoms tend to only reach mild stages in patients, others can experience severe reactions to infection, including infection of the brain, which can lead to acute or chronic neurological complications.

Severe symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Neck stiffness
  • Disorientation or loss of awareness
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision problems
  • Paralysis

Most patients experiencing severe infection recover over time, although neurological complications can linger or resurface in the form of seizures or changes to behavior or cognition.

Death from La Crosse Encephalitis is extremely rare and occurs in less than 1% of cases.

Who Does Severe La Crosse Encephalitis Affect the Most?

Severe La Crosse Encephalitis most often affects children under the age of 16 and can result in brain inflammation that can lead to neurological complications. Severe infection is more uncommon in adults, but still very possible.

Treatment

There are no preventative vaccinations or medical treatment for an active case of La Crosse Encephalitis. Patients with mild cases are encouraged to rest and increase their fluid intake. Patients with severe infection may require hospitalization for help with breathing, hydration, or reducing brain swelling.

West Nile Virus

West Nile is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States with an average of 2,357 cases reported annually between 1999 and 2022. Cases of West Nile have occurred in all 48 of the contiguous states, with many cases reported in Georgia.

Symptoms – Mild

Eighty percent of those who contract West Nile are symptomless. Roughly 20% of West Nile patients will experience mild, flu-like symptoms, including:

  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Skin rashes

Symptoms – Severe

Less than 1% of patients who contract West Nile reach severe stages where the virus inflames the brain (encephalitis) or membranes of the spinal cord (meningitis).

Severe symptoms can include:

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Neck stiffness
  • Disorientation or loss of awareness
  • Coma
  • Tremors
  • Convulsion
  • Vision problems
  • Paralysis

Patients who experience severe cases of West Nile usually recover over a period of weeks or months. However, it is possible to have life-long neurological or physical impairment following the recovery period.

Death is rare, occurring in 10% of the few severe cases of West Nile where damage to the central nervous system occurs.

Who Does Severe West Nile Affect the Most?

People of all ages are susceptible to contracting severe West Nile. Patients older than 60 are more at risk, as are those with compromised immune systems or those who have received an organ transplant. Patients with certain medical conditions are also at a higher risk of developing severe West Nile. These diseases include:

  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney disease

Treatment

There are no preventative vaccinations or medical treatment for an active case of West Nile infection. Patients with mild cases are encouraged to rest and increase their fluid intake. Patients with severe infection may require hospitalization for help with hydration, pain management, and beneficial nursing services.

Mosquito diseases can affect anyone, including you and your loved ones. Protect your family at home with superior mosquito control services from Bizzy Bee Exterminators.

Your health and the health of your family matters. Let our team help you avoid the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses all season long. Our mosquito-control experts apply an effective treatment to eradicate mosquitoes from your yard, giving you peace of mind and a yard you can enjoy!

Call us to schedule mosquito control at your home today: 1-800-273-4958

Related Blogs: