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We all read about the 2012 West Nile Virus outbreak in Texas, 1,868 cases reported, and 510 cases of neuroinvasive West Nile, considered the most serious form of the illness, were recorded.
We were cautious when we were in Dallas that year.
Thankfully, most people bitten never get sick or, in extreme cases, die. They itch and scratch like crazy for a few hours. Some people are allergic to mosquito bites. Their immune systems react to the proteins in the mosquito’s saliva just like other people do to pollen, molds, and pet dander.
Reactions can include skin blisters, hives, bruising, and swelling lasting more than a week. In rare situations, some people may experience anaphylaxis or worsening of asthma symptoms after being bitten being bitten by mosquitoes.
We lived in South Florida and loved to be outside, so we wouldn't let the mosquitoes stop us. We take specific steps to limit their ability to munch on us. Even if you are not allergic to mosquitoes, letting them chew on you is still not good.
- Don’t stay outside at dusk because they are the most active.
- It was tough to do in South Florida: wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and tennis shoes when outside, especially when doing yard work. We got attacked when we started trimming the bushes. Less skin means fewer places for them to bite.
- While we are not fans of insect repellent, you do need to use it. Wearing protective clothing allows you to spray less on your skin. Spray it on your clothes, hands, and neck.
- Don’t wear cologne or perfumes. It attracts them.
- Dump the standing water. We all get water in flower pots, buckets, bird baths, trash cans, toys, etc. If you capture rainwater for irrigation, use a closed system that keeps the mosquitoes from laying their eggs. A cap full or two of bleach in the rain barrel works great.
Mosquitoes are pretty much everywhere, and you will end up getting bitten. The key is to limit the number of times.
Till next time
Cheryl