Los Fresnos News

Mosquito Bites and Your Health

 

 

 

 

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mosquito

Years ago if we’d see a mosquito flying around we probably wouldn’t worry too much about it. Worse case scenario it would sting us and leave behind a small itchy welt. Things have changed from then to now, today mosquito bites can make you really sick. Mosquitos are carrying diseases like Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya. (Chikungunya is not common in the United States.)

What do these disease have in common?
• Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitos.
• Mosquitoes become infected with Zika, dengue or chikungunya virus when they bite a person who is infected with one of those viruses. Infected mosquitoes can then spread one of these viruses to other people.
• There is no vaccine or medicine for these diseases.

Protection
According to the CDC Centers of Disease Control and Prevention the best way for us to protect ourselves from becoming infected by mosquitoes is by using an insect repellent anytime we may come in contact with mosquitos.

Additional ways we can protect ourselves:

• Wearing long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors may lessen the risk of being stung by mosquitoes.
• Avoid being outside before and after dusk. This is when people are most often stung by mosquitoes.
• If you feel you may have been infected by a disease carrying mosquito seek medical attention right away.

Prevention
We can help prevent the spread of mosquitoes by removing all standing water around our home and by maintaining a both a clean home and well-kept yard.

For more information on how you can prevent the spread of mosquitoes, protect yourself from becoming infected by disease carrying mosquito, and which mosquitos may be in your area visit the CDC Center of Disease Control and Prevention website.

Resources: CDC Center of Disease Control and Prevention

Attend one of the FREE exercise programs offered by the City of Los Fresnos.

For more information contact Christine De La Rosa at 956-312-1406, email [email protected] or Los Frensos City Hall at 956-233-5768.