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Diseases Spread by Insects Affecting Louisiana

Diseases spread by insects in Louisiana

Diseases Spread by Insects

There’s nothing pleasant about a mosquito bite or other insect bite, but beyond the initial sting, residual itch, and resulting allergic reaction for some, a mosquito, tick, or flea bite can deliver something much worse.

Insect and mosquito-borne diseases and illnesses are a cause for concern in all parts of the US and abroad. While some of these diseases are more prevalent in certain areas, and also threaten the residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana almost year-round, the risk of contracting any one of them is motivation enough to explore insect and mosquito control and prevention options.

At-a-Glance Facts

  • Mosquito-borne diseases and illnesses are caused by bacterial, viruses and parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. They can transmit disease without being affected themselves.
  • Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include: malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis and Zika.
  • Nearly 700 million people get a mosquito borne illness each year resulting in greater than one million deaths.
  • The two most common and publicized diseases in the Southwest United States are West Nile and the Zika viruses.

West Nile Virus LifecycleWest Nile Virus

West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus most active in North America during the warm summer and fall months. As of January 2016, over 2,000 cases of West Nile were reported, 65% of which resulted in neuro-invasive diseases like meningitis or encephalitis.

Because the disease is mosquito-borne, it is easily transmitted to the birds who eat mosquitoes. The disease is most commonly spread by a mosquito bite, and can result in illness or death, although many of those infected never experience symptoms. In 2015 1,923 cases were reported, resulting in 106 deaths.

While West Nile infection is rare, the only way to ensure protection is with effective mosquito control. Get the facts you need to know about the West Nile Virus.

The Zika Virus

Zika Transmission InfographicThe Zika Virus has become a common news topic since the outbreak of the virus in the beginning of 2016. Zika is spread by infected mosquitoes, and has been spreading to areas in Louisiana in recent months.

Zika is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, moving from person to person, spreading the virus among humans. Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.

The best way to protect our families from threats like the Zika Virus is to become more informed. For more information on Zika, visit our Zika Facts page or download resources from the CDC below.

Ticks Spread Lyme Disease

Ticks are a tiny parasite that bite and burrow into their host, not only eating their blood, but potentially infecting them with Lyme Disease, a disease which can affect both humans and pets. Once infected, an individual with Lyme Disease can suffer a wide range of related health problems. For dogs, Lyme Disease is equally dangerous and can be fatal.

Typically, Lyme disease is transmitted through a bite from an infected deer tick. It is a bacterial infection you get from tick bites and can cause over three hundred different symptoms including severe long-term health problems. Unfortunately, your yard and outdoor living spaces may be a breeding ground for various species of ticks, including deer ticks.

For more information on how to protect your family and pets from Tick-borne Lyme disease, download resources from the CDC below.

Heartworms

Pet Diseases like Dog Heartworm

Humans aren’t the only ones who are susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses. If bitten, animals like dogs, cats, and horses can become infected with life-threatening diseases like dog heartworm which is caused by the bite of a mosquito carrying the larvae of a roundworm, or equine encephalitis which comes from mosquitoes biting birds who carry the disease.

Heartworms can be prevented with pills or injections, but can be fatal for cats for dogs. Equine encephalitis can be treated if a horse contracts the virus, but if a human is bitten by an infected mosquito, there is no treatment.