Is Dengue a Threat in Missouri?

Posted by Mosquito Squad

July 18, 2024

The CDC issued a health advisory in late June, due to drastically increased incidences of Dengue.

Most of the cases in the United States are in Puerto Rico, where cases have risen 300% since 2023. However, Florida has around 800 cases, some of which are suspected to be locally contracted. While the mosquitoes that spread Dengue are believed to be here, local spread in Missouri is unlikely. Nearly 10mm cases of Dengue have been confirmed in countries throughout the Americas; that’s twice as many as the nearly 5mm cases reported by those same countries in 2023.

Which mosquitoes spread Dengue?

Aedes mosquitoes are vectors of Dengue. This species of mosquito is also responsible for Zika virus and EEE Among others. Global warming is said to be at the forefront of this incredible spike in mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Dengue. Warming average temperatures in Missouri are resulting in mosquito species, like the Aedes mosquitoes, to make their homes here.

A community effort is best in these situations.

The CDC recommends that U.S. residents be aware of avoiding mosquito bites in areas with high transmission rates of Dengue or other mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquito populations in tropical tourist destinations could make you an unwitting victim of an illness, such as Dengue or West Nile virus. Be cognizant of your potential to receive infected mosquito bites on your tropical vacation, and protect yourself with CDC recommended mosquito repellents and/or long sleeves and pants.

If you begin to feel sick within three to 10 days of receiving a mosquito bite on vacation, it is essential that you seek medical care, and explain to your physician that you should be tested for Dengue.

Dengue symptoms to look out for:

Fever
Rash
Body aches, muscle and joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Headache and pain behind the eyes

What is the treatment for Dengue fever?

At this time, there is neither an inoculation for U.S. travelers, nor a specific treatment regimen for Dengue fever. Dengue patients are treated with supportive care based on their symptoms and severity of their illness. Those most affected by severe Dengue illness are pregnant women, children, and individuals over the age of 65.

Though Dengue fever is not yet an immediate threat for local spread in Missouri, there are other illnesses, as well as mosquito bite allergies that we must consider. Because mosquitoes are plentiful here, bite avoidance is key. Mosquito Squad’s powerful, time-tested mosquito control formulas will help eliminate up to 80-90% of the mosquitoes on your property, with pre-scheduled re-treatments about every three weeks.

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Don’t suffer mosquitoes, gnats, and other pests around your special outdoor event. Call Mosquito Squad for effective mosquito control. Get in touch with us by filling out our form online or calling us at (636) 735-7132 for a free quote.