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Dealing with mosquitos is a natural part of the summer season, however, if you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms in the middle of summer, it’s possible you’re suffering from a mosquito-borne disease. Most mosquitoes get infected by feeding on a bird with the virus, but in rare cases, it’s possible for mosquitoes to get it from other animals. Though most mosquitos do not carry viruses (and only certain types of mosquitoes CAN carry viruses), it’s important to be aware of the different mosquito-borne illnesses you could get from a mosquito bite so you’re best prepared to handle it. 

There are many different mosquito-borne diseases, or arboviruses, that exist in the world, but there are mainly 5 in the United States to worry about. Here’s some basic information about those mosquito-borne viruses: 

• West Nile Virus. The West Nile Virus (WNV) is found in Mississippi in horses, birds, mosquitoes, and humans. Though anyone can get WNV, symptoms are more severe and/or deadly for people over the age of 50, with 3-15% of people with WNV dying. WNV is a different kind of arbovirus, as WNV can also kill certain species of birds, as well as horses.  

• St. Louis Encephalitis. St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) is the most common arbovirus found in Mississippi. It only affects humans, and mostly only affects elderly patients in the summer and early fall seasons. Most cases are not fatal, but roughly 15% of patients with severe symptoms die from SLE every year. 

• Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis. Both Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) are essentially the same virus, however, EEE is typically found in eastern and Gulf Coast states, and WEE is found in midwest/western states. It is found in birds and horses, and very rarely, humans. Unlike other arboviruses, it is more likely to affect children rather than the elderly. It also has a much higher rate of fatality– roughly 30-60% of cases end in death. 

• LaCrosse Encephalitis. This virus is found primarily in Midwestern states, but has been reported in Mississippi as well. It primarily affects humans under the age of 16 years old from the spring-fall seasons. It is the least fatal of these 5 viruses, with only 1% of symptomatic patients dying. 

Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions can help with your mosquito control. With over 2 decades of experience, we have served over 10,000 homes and businesses in the Olive Branch area with high quality pest control services. In addition to mosquitoes, we can help control other pests including rodents, ants, termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs. Visit our website for a full list of service and information, or give us a call at 901-377-9915.