News from CRIS: What's the Risk? Repelling Ticks & Mosquitos
May 2, 2022
What do I need to know?
Every year, we see variations in tick and mosquito population size depending, in part, on the duration and temperatures experienced throughout the winter months.
In general, warmer, shorter winters mean more insects, including potential disease-carrying ticks and mosquitos, survive and reemerge in the spring and summer months. We can expect to see more people impacted by these diseases when more potential disease-carrying insects thrive.
What are common diseases carried by ticks and mosquitos?
Ticks and mosquitos can carry diseases that are severe. This post will look at the diseases most frequently found in North America (1,2).
Tick-borne diseases found in North America
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Colorado tick fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Lyme disease
- Powassan encephalitis
- Q fever
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness
- Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
- Tularemia
Mosquito-borne diseases found in North America
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Jamestown Canyon Virus
- La Crosse Encephalitis
- St. Louis Encephalitis
- West Nile Virus
- Western Equine Encephalitis
- Zika
What happens if I contract a disease from a tick or mosquito?
Like most diseases, each person reacts differently to different pathogens. Typically, people with underlying health conditions as well as those that are pregnant, very young, and elderly experience more severe illnesses. If you suspect that you've contracted an insect-borne disease, it's important to seek medical care from a licensed physician, as treatment will vary depending on the illness and severity.
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To continue reading the entire blog post, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-repelling-ticks-mosquitos