With Dengue fever making headlines globally, it’s natural to wonder: can this mosquito-borne illness actually reach our city? While dengue fever is rare in Flushing NY, the rising number of outbreaks around the globe makes it important for you to stay informed. In this blog, we’ll explore what Dengue fever is, how it spreads, and whether it poses an actual risk to our community.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, which is spread primarily by mosquitoes. It’s often referred to as “breakbone fever” because of the intense pain it can cause in the muscles and joints.
Dengue fever is more common in tropical and subtropical regions such as Africa, Latin America, southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. That said, it’s becoming a concern in more places due to global travel and changing climate patterns. The most common symptoms of Dengue fever include:
- High fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Severe headache
- Joint and muscle pain
- Bleeding or easy bruising
How Does Dengue Fever Spread?
Dengue fever is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes species. These mosquitoes thrive in tropical and subtropical climates and are known for their distinctive white markings on their legs and a lyre-shaped pattern on their thorax.
After a mosquito bites a person with Dengue fever, they become carriers. Over the next 8-12 days, the virus incubates in the mosquito and is capable of spreading to anybody that the insect bites next.
It’s important to note that dengue fever is not spread through direct human-to-human contact. The disease relies on the mosquito vector to move from one person to another. This means that controlling mosquito populations and preventing mosquito bites are key strategies in preventing the spread of Dengue.
Should I Worry About Dengue Fever?
Whether you live in Flushing NY or are just visiting, you might be wondering if dengue fever is something to worry about. The good news is that dengue fever is extremely rare in this area. The primary regions affected are tropical and subtropical zones where the Aedes mosquitoes are more prevalent. However, with the increasing frequency of outbreaks around the world, it’s understandable to be cautious.
In recent years, there have been a few isolated cases reported in regions outside of the traditional hotspots, but these are exceptions rather than the norm. Keeping an eye on updates from reliable sources like the CDC can help you stay informed.
How to Avoid Dengue Fever
Preventing dengue fever largely comes down to avoiding mosquito bites. Applying insect repellents and wearing protective clothing can help, but if there are a lot of mosquitoes in your area, professional mosquito control can make a big difference. If you’re looking for a reliable mosquito control solution, Magic Exterminating offers expert services tailored to your needs. Just give us a call today to get started.
