West Nile Virus has reared it’s ugly head again this season, keep you and your family safe with Mosquito Squad

What would you do if you or someone in your family began to complain of headache, fever, tiredness and neck stiffness? What if these symptoms are accompanied by a skin rash? Would these sudden signs of illness lead you to believe it is the result of a mosquito-borne illness such as West Nile Virus? Many people can’t conceive that what they, or a member of their family are experiencing are the first symptoms of West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus is a serious matter and the onset of symptoms can vary from a few days to a few weeks, any symptoms displayed can mean big trouble and should not be taken lightly.

During these carefree summer months of long sunny days and coveted family time such as fresh memories of your recent vacation, confirmed cases of West Nile Virus have already been confirmed in four states according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). There are two phases of tracing West Nile Virus, one is when the mosquito itself tests positive for the infection and the other is when individuals begin to test positive for the illness as well. Infected mosquitoes have been popping up all over the United States in the last few weeks.

West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes which have been infected via an infected bird. Mosquito Squad of Chicago obtained reports that health officials there have found birds that are infected with the virus. West Nile Virus is a danger to domesticated pets such as dogs and cats as well as people. Severe forms of the disease can become life threatening and even lead to coma, paralysis and neuroinvasive diseases such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis. Mosquito Squad of the North Shore, MA and Mosquito Squad of the Western Suburbs in MA, received information that Massachusetts Department of Public Health ( MDPH)  confirmed West Nile Virus amongst mosquitoes that were collected in the South Brookline region, noting that the disease is present in areas of Massachusetts as well.

Since the dangers of West Nile Virus are very real and there is no vaccine currently available for persons to protect against the disease, reducing the chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito is the only precaution you and your family can take to avoid being infected. There are many ways to avoid controlling mosquitoes and knowledge is key to prevention.

Your first line of defense is to make certain you have eradicated or substantially reduced areas where mosquitoes can lay eggs all around your home and yard. These include pots,outdoor toys, containers or any area where even small amounts of water or moisture can collect. Keeping your lawn cut and free of debris is important because mosquitoes lurk in dark, deeply vegetated areas. Having your property treated by a licensed professional to kill and prevent mosquitoes is key to complete mosquito control.

Mosquito Squad offers complete mosquito control during the mosquito season by the use of safe and effective barrier sprays that kill existing mosquitoes and prevent more mosquitoes from entering your treated property. Mosquito Squad even offers natural mosquito control as well.  Our barrier sprays are designed to be misted at regular intervals throughout the season for continuous protection. Remember, no mosquitoes means no mosquito-borne illness. Contact Mosquito Squad to learn more about keeping you and your family safe and healthy this season.