West Nile-Ridden Mosquitoes Endanger Americans’ Health
Serious health threats in the U.S. seem to be without end. Ebola struck fear into our hearts in 2014; measles — officially declared a non-threat in the U.S. just a few short years ago — spread like rapid fire at the end of 2014 and beginning of 2015, infecting 147 Americans before the culmination of the outbreak; and now West Nile virus may be a very real concern.
In Connecticut alone, six separate towns have trapped and tested mosquitoes for traces of the West Nile virus, a virus that may cause fevers and headaches in mild cases — or weakness, disorientation, high fever, inflammation of the brain, and death in extreme ones.
“Mosquitoes in Stamford, Guilford, and New Haven tested positive for the virus,” NBC Connecticut reports. Since then, officials have added Darien, West Haven, and Waterford to the list.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) trapped the mosquitoes from July 23 to July 28. The organization continues to trap and test mosquitoes in various regions on a 10-day rotating schedule.
CAES warns residents that the insects are most active at dusk and dawn, June through October. Anyone with standing water in their backyard — birdbaths, pet bowls, or water features — can ward off mosquitoes by changing the water frequently. Connecticut is not the only U.S. state where West Nile virus-ridden mosquitoes pose a serious threat. Professionals have also found infected mosquitoes in Texas and certain parts of Florida, among other states.
No matter where you are located, a persistent mosquito problem should not be ignored… and you do have options. If the utmost caution and care isn’t enough, there are plenty of professional outdoor pest control services that spray the outsides of homes, commercial businesses, and public areas to eliminate dangerous mosquito populations. And the experts are no stranger to pests that pack a serious health hazard. The very same professional pest control services also spray or set traps for cockroaches and mice (animals that leave behind 40 to 100 germ-ridden droppings per day) to put an end to possible health risks.
