Mosquitoes: More than a simple nuisance

  • Published
  • By Richard Gilbride
  • 23d Civil Engineer Squadron
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Most South Georgia residents are familiar with mosquitoes, which are abundant in this area. Throughout most of the year, these insects are little more than a nuisance, limiting our enjoyment of the outdoors. But moving into the late summer and early fall, these same nuisances become a potential threat to public health.

In Georgia, mosquitoes are known carriers of West Nile virus, Eastern Equine encephalitis, LaCrosse virus and Saint Louis encephalitis. In 2011, 25 cases of West Nile virus were reported in the state. However, that's still only 25 cases out of a population of nearly 10 million, a percentage of .000000025. In 2010, 1,284 Georgia residents died in vehicle accidents, so you're at much greater risk driving to work than of contracting a disease from a mosquito bite.

Most people who become sick from mosquitoes have mild symptoms like headache, fever, dizziness and fatigue, but more severe symptoms are possible. The Southern Health District urges anyone with severe symptoms to consult their primary care physician or seek immediate medical care. Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness.

Although the risks seem low, there are two things people should be aware of:

1. A primary reason the disease rate is so low is because of aggressive actions taken by mosquito control districts, local counties and cities to reduce the number of disease carrying mosquitoes and their breeding sites.
2. By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease to virtually zero.

What's being done on Moody to help manage the mosquito population?

The 23d Medical Group public health flight, along with civil engineers and the entomology department, work jointly in conducting a comprehensive program. Mosquito samples are gathered daily to determine their species and whether they carry a virus. Breeding sites are treated with larvacides to prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults. As needed, the base is treated with ultra-low volume sprays to control adult mosquitoes.

What can individuals do to manage mosquitoes?

The most important thing you can do is to eliminate breeding sites. It takes approximately seven days for a mosquito to develop from egg to adult, so any water that stands for more than a week can provide a breeding site for hundreds of mosquitoes. Some of the locations are obvious, such as ponds and drainage ditches. Other areas of concern that may be less obvious are:

· Gutters: make sure that they are kept clean of debris so water flows out freely
· Potted Plants: don't overwater plants and make sure that saucers under the pots are emptied regularly
· Bird baths: Empty them at least once a week or install a small fountain to circulate water
· Swimming pools: Ensure they are properly chlorinated. If covered, make sure the cover does not hold water.
· Generally, look around your home or workplace and regularly empty out any item that can hold water.

What can I do to help reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes?

Avoid being outside around dawn and dusk. These are the times that most mosquitoes, especially the species that carry diseases, are the most active.

When outside, wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants. It's difficult for mosquitoes to bite through clothing.

Drain any items, buckets, birdbaths, potted plants, pet dishes, gutters, boat bilges and anything that can hold water.

When outside, use an insect repellant. Use repellents containing DEET. Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 and permethrin are other repellent options. Using repellent can help protect against being bitten by a mosquito. Follow these tips for correct repellent use:

· Read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to skin. Some repellents are not suitable for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
· Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Mosquito repellents containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 can also be applied directly on skin. Permethrin can be used on clothing.
· Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing but not under clothing.