Mosquito Diseases That Can Spread at Businesses

Mosquito problems extend beyond the irritation from their itchy bites. In fact, they are the deadliest pest in the world. These bloodthirsty insects not only cause skin reactions, but also serve as vectors for diseases such as Malaria and West Nile Virus. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take in and around your business to help reduce mosquito populations and thus reduce the risk of disease-carrying mosquitoes biting customers and employees.

What is a mosquito-borne disease?

Mosquito-borne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can transmit bacteria, parasites and viruses.

How do mosquitoes transmit diseases?

Mosquitoes can pick up pathogens from feeding on the blood of infected people or animals. A mosquito can then inject these pathogens into the bloodstream of the next person or animal it bites. Different types of mosquitoes can transmit different diseases.

What diseases do mosquitoes carry?

Mosquitoes can spread a variety of diseases, demanding attention to help mitigate their impact:

• Malaria, a serious and sometimes fatal disease, is usually transmitted by the bites of female-infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Signs of Malaria are fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Note: While Malaria is still rare in the U.S., last year we recorded our first homegrown cases in 20 years in Florida, Texas and Maryland.

• West Nile Virus, the most widespread mosquito-borne disease in the United States, is a viral infection transmitted primarily by Culex mosquitoes, such as the common house and southern house mosquitoes. This disease poses a risk to humans but can also cause health issues in horses. Human symptoms range from mild and flu-like to severe neurological complications.

• Zika Virus, primarily transmitted by Yellow Fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), is known for its association with birth defects and neurological complications. While many individuals experience mild symptoms such as fever, rash and joint pain, pregnant women and their unborn children are at risk of severe consequences. Fortunately, there have not been any locally acquired cases in the continental U.S. since 2017.

• Dengue Fever is a viral infection that causes a range of symptoms from mild fever to severe hemorrhagic fever. Transmitted primarily by Yellow Fever mosquitoes, this disease is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious viral illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes, affects both humans and horses. Human symptoms range from mild and flu-like to severe neurological issues.

• Yellow Fever, transmitted by infected Aedes or Haemagogus mosquitoes, is a viral disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. Symptoms vary from mild fever to jaundice and organ failure. While not endemic in the U.S., travelers returning from affected areas can bring back the disease.

If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms and are concerned about any of the above diseases, reach out to your physician for further testing and evaluation.

Can you get Lyme disease from mosquitoes?

Lyme disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Mosquitoes are not significant vectors for Lyme disease transmission.

Impact on Employee Health and Workplace Safety

Mosquito-borne diseases can have a significant impact on employee health, workplace safety and reputation. By implementing preventive measures to reduce mosquito populations, you can help ensure you are maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for your employees and customers.

How to Help Keep Mosquitoes Away

Multiplying very quickly, one mosquito can become 400 in under two weeks. Taking swift action to help reduce mosquito populations by working with your pest management partner is key to minimizing risks. In the meantime, there are several easy ways to reduce mosquitoes around your property, including source reduction, habitat modification and exclusion tactics.

For more detailed information on mosquitoes and actionable tips to help control them around your business, download our free Mosquitoes 101 ebook.

Call the Best in Pests™ for Your Mosquito Protection Plan

Hiring a professional to help manage mosquitoes can relieve the burden on you and your employees. Orkin can help develop a customized plan including comprehensive inspection, habitat modification and maintenance for your property’s needs. With our assistance, you can help reduce the mosquito population around your business and protect your customers and employees.

For well over a century, Orkin has set the standard for mosquito protection and gained specialized know-how from helping keep mosquitoes out of thousands of businesses just like yours. Contact Orkin today to sign up for a free inspection and take your business back from mosquitoes with the Best in Pests™.