MOSQUITOES are taking over a region of Las Vegas, sparking concerns amongst experts in the area.
The pesky bugs, known to spread diseases across the globe, are defying ecological odds by surviving in the desert climate.
The insects are even becoming immune to pesticides, according to experts[/caption]
The region is warning residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites[/caption]
Population numbers of the insects have grown exponentially as of late in the area, carrying frightening illnesses along with them, such as West Nile virus.
Last year, Southern Nevada health officials warned residents of extraordinarily-high levels of mosquitoes.
Nevada is typically not attractive to the bugs – but experts have warned that changing climates can alter that in locations across the world.
“People aren’t wrong that mosquitoes shouldn’t really thrive in desert conditions,” Louisa Messenger, a professor at the University of Nevada’s environmental and global health department, told NBC News.
“[B]ut it’s clear that the particular set of species that we do have in Clark County has adapted to the local ecology.”
A UNLV lab has noticed that the bugs are becoming immune to pesticides, too.
Las Vegas in particular can be a danger zone for mosquitoes due to its high tourism rates.
“It is a little bit of a ticking time bomb,” Messenger said to the outlet.
The bugs are lasting with concentrations of insecticides 100 times higher than the usual amount, and staying alive for hours longer, according to an article by KNPR.
At the end of July, the region’s health district reported its first sample to test positive for West Nile virus this year.
West Nile virus usually presents itself with fever, headaches, and body aches.
Another type of mosquito prominent in the region can spread dengue fever.
Dengue fever can carry symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, and rash, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“The bottom line is that this is entirely preventable,” Messenger said.
Everything you need to know about eastern equine encephalitis
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a virus spread to people from the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Although rare, EEE infections can be very serious.
Approximately 30% of people who catch the virus die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Those who survive may continue to suffer from ongoing neurologic problems, it added.
Initial symptoms tend to show up three to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
They include:
- Fever
- A stiff neck
- Headache
- Lack of energy
The virus can cause Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, a complication that can be dangerous.
“The disease gets worse quickly and some patients may go into a coma within a week,” the DPH noted.
According to the CDC and Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of a severe infection that causes brain inflammation may include:
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- High fever (higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Behavioral changes
- Seizures
The best way to protect yourself from the disease is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Use insect repellents and wear long sleeves, long trousers and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
Remove areas of standing water around your home.
You can also consider scheduling outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Sources: CDC, DPH, Cleveland Clinic
“Nobody in southern Nevada, in Clark County, should be getting bit by mosquitoes and contracting any kind of virus.”
Residents should try to prevent mosquito bites through a variety of methods.
Using insect repellents, wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs, and eliminating standing water are just some ways to combat the pests.
Another way to avoid bites is to install yellow lights outside, which attract fewer mosquitoes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to,” the EPA warned.
“These include dog heart worms, eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.”
One of the best ways to get rid of mosquitos is removing standing water[/caption]
