“Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world. Their ability to carry and spread disease to humans causes millions of deaths every year,” states the World Health Organization (WHO). Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, zika, West Nile virus, encephalitis, chikungunya, and yellow fever continue to afflict millions of people worldwide.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suggests that the best way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid mosquito bites in the first place. Here are some tips to stay protected from mosquito bites:
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellant with one of the following ingredients: Deet, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), 2-undecanone.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover extremities.
- Keep mosquitoes outside by using window and door screens, air conditioning, and mosquito net when necessary.
- When traveling, do some research about any destination specific health risks and take all necessary precautions.
If you have been bitten by a mosquito, the website, www.mosquitomagnet.com, stresses that if you experience fever, fatigue, and headache you should seek immediate medical attention as those may be signs of a mosquito-borne illness. For a proper diagnosis and treatment options, see your healthcare provider. To schedule an appointment at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.