Virus testing keeps Moody aware

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Most mosquito bites can be harmless enough, however, there are some mosquitoes that are not so harmless.

Mosquito's can carry vector born diseases like the West Nile virus and Malaria. Both of which can be potentially serious illnesses that cause serious health issues.

That's why members of 23rd Medical Group public health collect samples to provide Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The specimens are collected so they can be examined and studied to understand what diseases are in the area.

"During the mosquito season we set up nets every week in order to collect mosquitos so they can be sent in," Summer Larkins, 23rd MDG public health. 'The season ranges from April to September and the highest activity is during this time of the year."

Public health placed the nets at different locations across base where public interaction was high. Places like mission lake, a section of a running trail and the dormitories all have mosquito nets

"After we collect the nets we take the mosquitos out and look for only the females," said Andrea Treadwell, 23rd MDG public health journeyman. "The reason we do this is because the females are the only ones that will bite."

There are a few major viruses that females in this area can carry and transmit. These are eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and the West Nile virus.

According to the center for disease control, to protect against these diseases members should use mosquito repellent, eliminate any standing water and install or repair windows and door screens.

For more information on mosquitoes and the diseases they carry members can visit, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/list_mosquitoborne.htm