Global warming is quietly shifting the map of disease. Insects that carry illnesses are spreading into new areas. This means more people face risks they never had before. Experts are urging everyone to learn how to protect themselves.
Entomologists, scientists who study insects, warn us about these growing threats. They say that as the world gets warmer, many insects, especially mosquitoes and ticks, are breeding more widely. They are moving into places they never used to live. Diseases like dengue fever, Zika virus, and Lyme disease are becoming a concern in these new zones.
Dr. Sarah Short, an associate professor of entomology at Ohio State University, points out that not everyone faces the same risk from mosquitoes. It depends on the type of mosquito living nearby. For example, the Aedes aegypti mosquito carries yellow fever. This mosquito usually lives in hot, tropical places. If you live outside those areas, your chance of getting sick from this specific mosquito is lower.
Beyond mosquitoes, ticks are also major carriers of disease. In North America, cases of Lyme disease keep climbing. Ohio offers a clear example. Less than 10 years ago, only one type of tick linked to disease was found there. Now, five different types are present. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection you can get from a tick bite.
The best defense is to avoid bites in the first place. These diseases are much easier to prevent than to treat. Experts suggest wearing clothes treated with permethrin. This special chemical kills ticks when they touch the fabric. You can also use insect repellent sprays.
If a tick does bite you, remove it right away. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a special tool to pull the tick straight out from your skin. Do not twist or turn it. Keep the tick in a sealed bag or container. Then, watch yourself for symptoms. Look for a red rash, fever, or feeling very tired. These could be signs of Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness.
Dr. Short stresses that these “vector-borne diseases” are changing quickly. This is happening in both cities and rural areas worldwide. She says we cannot rely on old information to understand what’s happening today.
Here are some quick tips to help keep you safe from mosquitoes and ticks:
- Wear long sleeves and pants. This is especially true when hiking or spending time outdoors.
- Use clothing treated with Permethrin, or spray yourself with insect repellent.
- Check your body carefully every time you come inside after outdoor activities.
- If a tick bites you, remove it quickly. Keep the tick to show a doctor.
- Watch for unusual symptoms. These include rashes, fevers, chills, or extreme tiredness.
Source: AP