Expansive Dengue Outbreak Rocks India

On September 17 the Times of India reported that 700 new cases of dengue were recorded between August 30th and September 15th in the state of Telangana, India. Studies show that often people carrying the dengue virus show no symptoms, so it’s possible that number is lower than the actual cases. This has been a long season for dengue in India already as the first case was reported in February and may linger on into November.

Facts About Dengue

Dengue is usually transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Both are aggressive daytime biters. Chikungunya (another mosquito-borne disease) and dengue can be difficult to distinguish, according to the CDC and are carried by the same mosquitoes. The symptoms include high fever, low white blood cell count, severe headache and pain behind the eyes, rash, joint and muscle pain, mild bleeding of the nose or gums. More severe cases will exhibit extreme symptoms: vomiting blood, heavy bleeding of nose and gums, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain. There is no specific treatment or cure for this illness; only the symptoms can be treated.

Why the Sudden Surge in Telangana?

Water… isn’t it always water? The streets there are waterlogged. These types of mosquitoes love to breed in standing water, so suddenly they are just everywhere. Add to that that they are daytime biters and you’ve got more people out and about to get bitten and get sick! It’s a nightmare.

How Does This Affect Us?

Outbreaks of mosquito-borne disease anywhere on the globe are scary, and Americans travel a lot! It’s so important to protect yourself in other countries with repellent, clothing, and general knowledge of what the dangers are in your surroundings. That’s important at home too, but at Mosquito Squad of Chelmsford & Cambridge, we can make it easier for you. Our barrier treatment will eliminate 85-90% of the mosquitoes on your property and continue to work for up to three weeks. We remained interested and involved in the effects that mosquitoes have to the world health, and we will continue to bring that information to you. Our #1 priority remains our clients and family right here at home. We want to be a part of your plan to protect against disease. Call us today at (978) 381-4028 for a free estimate!