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Hold on to your hats, folks! You might find it hard to believe, but the world’s most lethal animal isn’t a shark, a snake, or even a person. It’s the mosquito—that tiny buzz-bomb that’s been ruining your summer barbecues since time immemorial. These pint-sized pests are responsible for a whopping one million deaths each year worldwide. Yes, you read that right. One million!
In the good ol’ U.S. of A., around 2,000 globe-trotting adventurers return home each year with an unwanted souvenir: a mosquito-borne disease. The most common culprit? Malaria, which, in 2017, sent 435,000 people to the great beyond.
Nevertheless, it’s not only about the death toll. The economic burden of these diseases is like a mosquito bite on the wallet of our healthcare system. Not to mention the fear element. Who hasn’t done the mosquito swat dance at a family picnic?
Despite ongoing research and control efforts, mosquitoes continue to be a significant public health concern. Their ability to adapt to various environments, breed rapidly, and develop resistance to insecticides makes them a challenging adversary. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend their behavior, life cycle, and the diseases they transmit in order to design efficient control measures and stop the development of mosquito-borne illnesses.
America’s Most Wanted: Mosquito Edition
In the land of the free, we’ve got our own lineup of mosquito-borne baddies. Malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus top the most-wanted list. The latter made its grand entrance in Illinois in 2001, turning up in two unfortunate crows in the Windy City.
The side effects of these illnesses fluctuate, but frequently include fever, cerebral pain, body aches, and, in extreme cases, neurological side effects or serious death. While the vast majority recover with practically no treatment, certain individuals, particularly those with hidden clinical issues or compromised immune frameworks, may encounter serious or deadly impacts from these illnesses.
Illinois: The Mosquito Mafia’s Hideout
Illinois, the land of Lincoln, is also home to a couple of notorious mosquito mobsters – the Culex, or house mosquito, and the tree-hole mosquito. Another shady character is the Asian tiger mosquito, an immigrant who arrived on our shores in 1985. These guys are carriers for a whole host of nasty stuff, including West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis, and Eastern equine encephalitis.
Despite ongoing mosquito control efforts, these pests continue to pose a significant public health threat in Illinois. This is due to several factors, including their widespread distribution, rapid breeding, and increasing resistance to insecticides. As such, public health officials and researchers in Illinois are continually monitoring mosquito populations and disease transmission to inform control strategies and protect public health.
Illinois’ Mosquito Mayhem
Back in 2002, Illinois was hit by a West Nile Virus epidemic that resulted in 884 cases and 66 deaths. The previous year, St. Louis encephalitis caused 578 cases and 47 deaths. These outbreaks are a stark reminder of the havoc these tiny terrorists can wreak.
The impact of these outbreaks extends beyond the immediate health effects. They also strain healthcare resources, disrupt daily life, and create fear and uncertainty among the public. They also highlight the necessity of continued surveillance, study, and public awareness campaigns to stop and manage diseases spread by mosquitoes.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, Illinois has taken critical steps to fight mosquito-borne illnesses. The state has a robust mosquito surveillance program that monitors mosquito populations, tests for disease-causing viruses, and informs control efforts. In order to inform the public about diseases spread by mosquitoes and how to protect themselves, public health professionals also collaborate closely with local communities.
Illinois’ Most Wanted: The Culex and the Asian Tiger
The Culex and the Asian tiger mosquito are the Al Capone and John Dillinger of the mosquito world. They’re the most dangerous mosquitoes in Illinois, thanks to their ability to transmit diseases like West Nile virus and encephalitis.
The Culex mosquito, also known as the northern house mosquito, is the primary vector of the West Nile virus in Illinois. It is most active from dusk to dawn and prefers to breed in standing water, often in man-made containers like buckets, tires, and gutters.
The Asian tiger mosquito is another significant threat. It is an aggressive daytime biter and can transmit several diseases, including dengue fever, the Zika virus, and eastern equine encephalitis. This mosquito is easily identifiable by its distinctive black and white striped body and legs.
Both of these mosquitoes have adapted to live in close proximity to humans, which increases the risk of disease transmission. They are also both capable of laying eggs in small amounts of standing water, which makes them difficult to control.
Fight Back with Nature’s Own Arsenal
But fear not, dear reader! Mother Nature has given us a way to fight back. Certain plants, like lavender, marigolds, citronella grass, catnip, rosemary, basil, and scented geraniums, are like kryptonite to mosquitoes.
These plants work by masking the scents that mosquitoes are attracted to, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid in humans, making it harder for mosquitoes to find their target. Planting these in your garden or patio can create a protective barrier against these blood-sucking pests.
Lemon Grass: Your Citrusy Shield
Lemon grass, with its zesty aroma, is a natural mosquito repellent. It contains citronella, a natural oil that repels mosquitoes. This oil is often extracted and used in commercial mosquito repellents, but the plant itself can also be an effective deterrent.
Planting lemon grass in your garden can help keep mosquitoes at bay. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil, making it a great choice for sunny borders or containers. Plus, lemon grass can be harvested and used in cooking, making it a useful addition to any herb garden.
Rosemary, Basil, and Mint: The Triple Threat
Rosemary, basil, and mint aren’t just for spicing up your spaghetti. They’re also a triple threat against mosquitoes. Their potent scent sends mosquitoes packing, providing a protective barrier.
Rosemary is a hardy perennial that can be grown in a variety of climates. It produces small, fragrant flowers and needle-like leaves that release a strong aroma when crushed. This aroma is unappealing to mosquitoes, making rosemary an effective natural repellent.
Basil, another popular herb, also has mosquito-repelling properties. It’s believed that the strong scent of basil can confuse mosquitoes and prevent them from locating their targets. Plus, basil is easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a useful plant to have in your garden.
Mint, with its refreshing aroma, can also deter mosquitoes. It’s best to grow mint in pots, as it can be invasive if planted in the ground. You can also crush mint leaves and rub them on your skin for a natural mosquito repellent.
Sage, Catnip, and Bee Balm: The Herbal Avengers
Sage, catnip, and bee balm are the Avengers of the plant world, swooping in to save the day from our mosquito foes. Sage is known for its mosquito-repelling superpowers, while catnip has been found to be ten times more effective than DEET, the common ingredient in commercial insect repellents. Who knew?
Sage, with its earthy aroma and silvery leaves, is a staple in many herb gardens. But did you know that burning sage can create a mosquito-repelling smoke? So next time you’re planning a garden party, why not light a few sage smudge sticks and let them work their magic?
Catnip, on the other hand, is the superhero of the mint family. While it’s best known for driving cats wild, it’s also a powerful mosquito repellent. In fact, studies have shown that the essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, is up to ten times more effective than DEET. So, plant some catnip in your garden and watch as the mosquitoes beat a hasty retreat.
Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, is another herbal avenger. Its bright, shaggy flowers attract bees and hummingbirds but repel mosquitoes. Plus, you can make a delicious tea from its leaves. It’s a win-win!
Lavender and Scented Geraniums: The Dynamic Duo
Lavender and scented geraniums, the dynamic duo of the plant world, not only beautify your garden but also emit a strong fragrance that mosquitoes find about as appealing as a garlic milkshake. These plants are a fantastic natural way to keep your outdoor spaces mosquito-free.
Lavender, with its beautiful purple flowers and soothing scent, is a favorite in many gardens. But did you know that mosquitoes hate it? The essential oils in lavender are believed to be toxic to mosquito larvae, making it an effective deterrent against these pests.
Scented geraniums, particularly those with a lemon scent, are also effective at repelling mosquitoes. They produce a strong fragrance that mosquitoes find unappealing. Plus, they’re easy to grow and come in a variety of beautiful colors, making them a great addition to any garden.
While these plants can help deter mosquitoes, they’re not a foolproof solution. It’s still important to take other preventive measures, such as removing standing water where mosquitoes breed, wearing insect repellent, and covering up with long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito times.
Breaking News: First Mosquito Batches of 2023 Test Positive for West Nile Virus
In a recent turn of events that’s got everyone buzzing, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the first mosquito batches of 2023 to test positive for West Nile Virus in Park Ridge and Evanston. This breaking news serves as a reminder that while plants can help deter mosquitoes, they’re not a magic bullet. It’s still crucial to take other preventive measures, like removing standing water where mosquitoes breed, wearing insect repellent, and covering up with long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito times.
In addition to a fever, headache, and body aches, the bad boy of mosquito-borne illnesses, the West Nile Virus, can also result in neurological symptoms like encephalitis or meningitis in more severe cases. While the majority of those infected with the virus do not show any symptoms, it can be lethal for some, especially those with compromised immune systems.
The positive test results in Park Ridge and Evanston are like a mosquito’s version of a “Wanted” poster. It doesn’t mean that all mosquitoes in these areas are carrying the virus, but it does increase the risk of transmission to humans.
In response to these findings, the IDPH is ramping up its mosquito surveillance efforts and working closely with local health departments to monitor the situation. They’re also urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing insect repellent, covering up with long sleeves and pants, and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
This recent report underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. It’s a reminder that while we can enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months, we must also be mindful of the risks and take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. So, folks, let’s keep our guard up and make sure these pesky mosquitoes know they’re not welcome at our summer barbecues!
References
https://www.insider.com/states-reporting-west-nile-virus-mosquitoes-paralysis-2021-7
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes-naturally/