Health
Title: Mosquitoes and disease
Information: Can you please provide information on the relationship between mosquitoes and disease? What kinds of diseases do mosquitoes carry? What are the effects of spraying insecticides to control them? The majority of mosquitoes are nuisance pests that may cause itching and skin irritations, but do not carry communicable diseases. However, some mosquitoes do pose the risk of diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV), Encephalitis viruses, malaria and dengue. The recent hurricanes and flooding along the east coast resulting from an active hurricane season have raised concerns regarding the resurgence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in affected areas. Medline Plus,http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/, the National Library of Medicine's consumer health website, offers a wealth of information on communicable diseases transferred via the mosquito bite, as well as links to authoritative websites. Click on "Health Topics" and then select the letter, "M," for "mosquito bites." You will cross-reference to the index page, "Insect Bites and Stings." On the left side of the page, there are more specific links for West Nile Virus, malaria, and dengue. You can also explore any of the articles on the main index page regarding specific conditions and spraying. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/insectbitesandstings.html Try searching for information on Medline Plus by typing the keyword, "mosquito," in the search box in the top left hand corner. In this way you will retrieve more links to resources on encephalitis. For recent news stories and links to information sources, please consult the articles below. "Rain May Rejuvenate West Nile Virus" by David Wahlberg, Sept. 26, 2004 This report discusses the potential for increased mosquito activity due to standing water pools left over after recent rains and flooding. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_20329.html "Florida Officials Gear Up for Mosquito Onslaught" by James Kirley, Sept. 10, 2004 Article reports efforts to control mosquito population through chemical means and advises residents to take measures to reduce risks of mosquito bites. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_20043.html The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, produces "The New Jersey Mosquito" webpage. Check out the links under "Mosquito Biology and Control," especially "Mosquito-Borne Diseases." http://www-rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/njmos.htm The Environmental Resource Management Department of the city of Jacksonville, Florida publishes information on "Mosquito-Borne Diseases." http://www.coj.net/Departments/Environmental+Resource+Management/Mosquito+Control/Mosquito-Borne+Diseases.htm The Internet Scout Report, September 6, 2002 -- Volume 1, Number 17, provides a comprehensive set of links to mosquito-related websites, including Cornell University's Center for the Environment, the United States Geological Survey, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New England Journal of Medicine. Although this report's major focus is the West Nile Virus, you'll be able to find information on the mosquito life cycle, diseases, control measures, as well as maps. http://scout.wisc.edu/Reports/NSDL/LifeSci/2002/ls-020906-topicindepth.html I hope this information answers most of your questions on mosquito-borne diseases and mosquito control efforts. Sincerely, Joyce W. Last updated September 28, 2004
Category: Health