What does the screw-worm have to do with Zika? Quite a bit, actually. What science has learned from the screw-worm could become the savior of this epidemic. The way screw-worms were eliminated over fifty years ago to save livestock from flesh-eating infestations could solve the mosquito-driven international health crisis that causes severe birth defects in newborn babies. The American Screwworm … Read More
West-Nile Carrying Mosquitos Found Active in Southern California
Mosquitos are a common summer annoyance. This year, however, they are turning up in huge numbers and carrying a number of potentially deadly diseases such as Zika and West Nile virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2,000 cases of West Nile were reported in 48 states and Washington D.C last year. Recent testing on Southern California’s … Read More
Is Your Backyard a Breeding Ground for Mosquito-Borne Viruses?
Nobody likes the festering, itchy bites that accompany a mosquito infestation. But considering the gamut of diseases carried by the little bloodsuckers — such as Zika, West Nile virus, malaria and others — mosquito bites can also be deadly. The scariest part is that mosquitos and their potentially deadly viruses could be breeding right in your back yard! Read on … Read More
Officials Addressing West Nile Virus Risk in Eastvale Area
The regional Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District is taking measures to prevent and control the risk of humans becoming infected with the West Nile virus after a sample of mosquitos collected in Eastvale tested positive in mid-June. As of June 24, Riverside County was one of 21 counties in California with West Nile virus (WNV) activity, although there were … Read More
Mosquitos Moving North from Mexico Cause Disease in Bordering States
Chikungunya is another dangerous mosquito borne illness, similar in some ways to the Zika virus, but many Texas residents are unaware of what it means or how it has traveled to the United States. The Texas Department of State Health Services has recently announced the first local case of chikungunya, marking the first known spread of the virus to the … Read More
How does Weather Affect Mosquito Activity?
Nearly everyone knows the awful sensation, the quiet buzz, then the irritating little sting. It means mosquitoes have arrived, and they’ve found whatever skin you’ve left vulnerable. Many people may not know much about mosquitoes except how they ruin your camping trip or backyard barbecue. We will explore how certain weather patterns affect mosquito activity, so you can be better … Read More
What To Do If A Swarm of Stinging Insects Attacks
There are few things more frightening than being near a swarm of flying insects. Whether bees, yellow jackets, or even mosquitoes, no one wants to get caught up in a swarm. It’s one thing to come across one bee, or one mosquito – it’s annoying, but not life threatening. What do you do though, when it’s hundreds or thousands of … Read More
The Fight Against Zika Virus and the Mosquito Threat
Zika is a virus that is transmitted by a certain species of mosquito, the Aedes. It originates from climates that are more tropical in nature, but in recent months there have been reports of people infected with Zika in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been working to learn more … Read More
Answers to Common Questions about Pregnancy and Zika Virus
Getting pregnant is a time of great excitement for many women. The idea of bringing a new life into the world can be one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. At the same time, such a responsibility no doubt comes with risks and the worry of potential complications. Unfortunately one of those complications is becoming more common and is often … Read More
FAQ’s Every Homeowner Needs to Know To Help Prevent Zika Virus
How is Zika prevented and/or treated? There is not currently an approved vaccination for the Zika virus. Though a vaccine is being aggressively researched, the WHO (World Health Organization) anticipates that it will take at least 18 months before clinical trials can take place. How is the Zika virus transmitted? The virus infects people through the bite of an infected … Read More