Oklahoma's 60 Mosquito Species Pose Disease Risk
Oklahoma residents face 60 local mosquito species, with over 3,500 worldwide. These insects can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus with just one bite. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves repellents to prevent such illnesses.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminating it can reduce their numbers. Effective repellent ingredients include DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), and Para-methane-diol (PMD). Wearing long sleeves and pants, and treating clothing with permethrin also helps prevent bites.
Mild to moderate symptoms of a mosquito bite include itchy bumps. Severe cases may involve fever, headache, body aches, and rash. Treatment includes washing the area, applying ice, or using anti-itch creams. The most common mosquito-borne disease in Oklahoma is West Nile Virus.
With 60 species in Oklahoma and over 3,500 worldwide, mosquitoes pose a significant health risk. Using EPA-registered insect repellent is crucial to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Eliminating standing water and protecting skin can also help keep these diseases at bay.
Read also:
- Smithsonian Team Reveals Faces of Pre-Hispanic Colombians After Centuries
- Virginia Giuffre, Epstein Survivor, Dies by Suicide: Trafficking Survivors Need Long-Term Support
- Dementia: Causes, Prevention, and Support
- Rosselkhozbank's Yakutsk Branch Expands 'Farmer School' to Train SVO Veterans in Agribusiness
