The annoying pests that take your blood may now leave more than just red bumps in exchange. With the recent rise of mosquito diseases, such as Dengue fever and the West Nile virus, the effects of these bites can be deadly. In order to better understand recent outbreaks we must first understand their source.
These illnesses have plagued countries for centuries, with Dengue fever being centuries old. Surprisingly, climate change is the root cause of these outbreaks. Higher temperatures across the United States have become the optimal condition for these insects to thrive. A higher mosquito population makes it more accessible for these illnesses to spread and make their way throughout the world.
Of these two diseases, the most prominent on the rise has been Dengue fever with over 3,000 cases within the United States this year. Symptoms include aching in the eyes and muscles, nausea, vomiting, and rashes. While mild Dengue fever has symptoms close to that of a flu or fever, more severe symptoms can cause serious bleeding, blood flow reduction, and death.
The other illness that has been making its way across the United States and has affected over 600 people in 2024 is the West Nile virus. The symptoms of this illness include headaches, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, muscle aches, joint pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting. On the severe side, the disease can affect one’s central nervous system causing tremors, seizures, neck stiffness, comas, and vision loss.
While there are no specific treatments for either disease it is advised to seek medical attention, drink plenty of fluids, and take pain-relieving medicine depending on condition. The risk of exposure to both diseases can be lowered by taking anti-mosquito measures such as applying insect repellent and covering up when going outside.
For more information on Dengue fever click here.
For more information on West Nile virus click here.
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