World’s Deadliest Creature Infests and Infects Iowa, Illinois, & Wisconsin

As summer progresses, residents of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin should be aware of the risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases. With much wetter weather and voracious mosquito populations, the region is seeing increased cases of several diseases. Certain invasive blood-suckers have now raised concerns again in the Tri-States, with the Asian Tiger Mosquito being reported in both Iowa and Illinois, and now West Nile virus-infected mosquitos have been confirmed in Ames. Did you know there have already been several cases of mosquito-borne illnesses across the Tri-States reported in 2024?

The region has reported cases of West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and La Crosse Encephalitis (LAC) due to favorable breeding conditions created by excessive rainfall and humidity​​. This rise underscores the importance of understanding the symptoms, treatments, and prevention of these diseases, along with others such as Zika, Rift Valley Fever, Dengue Fever, and even Malaria (most cases are brought in by travelers).

Food for thought, there have been over 200 types of mosquitoes found in the United States. Of those, researchers estimate that 12 kinds are capable of passing on diseases. Most types of mosquitoes we encounter are nonthreatening and incapable of transmitting diseases that make people seriously ill.

However, a few of these disease-vectoring insects can still get to us in the Tri-States. The main culprits we're on the lookout for are, Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti),
Culex species mosquitoes (Cx. pipiens, Cx. tarsalis, Cx. quinquefasciatus), and the Anopheles species mosquitoes (An. freeborni, An. quadrimaculatus). Here’s a summary of the nasty Mosquito-borne illnesses these pests spread, their symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases

1. West Nile Virus (WNV)

• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases may cause neurological complications.
• Treatment: No specific cure; supportive care is essential. Most people recover without treatment.

2. La Crosse Encephalitis (LAC)

• Symptoms: Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms like seizures.
• Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment; supportive care is provided to relieve symptoms. Most recover fully.

3. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

• Symptoms: High fever, chills, headache, and vomiting; severe cases may lead to disorientation and seizures.
• Treatment: No cure; supportive care and intensive medical attention for severe cases.

4. Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV)

• Symptoms: Mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological issues like encephalitis.
• Treatment: Supportive care; there is no specific cure.

5. St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV)

• Symptoms: Fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, and severe neurological symptoms in rare cases.
• Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment; supportive care is critical. Most people recover fully.

6. Zika Virus

• Symptoms: Often mild, including fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
• Treatment: No specific treatment; supportive care includes rest, hydration, and pain relief. The virus generally resolves on its own.

7. Rift Valley Fever

• Symptoms: Can range from mild illness with fever and liver abnormalities to severe complications like hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or blindness.
• Treatment: Mainly supportive care; antiviral drugs may be used in severe cases. No cure exists, but treatment can manage symptoms.

8. Malaria

• Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. Severe cases can lead to anemia, respiratory distress, and multi-organ failure.
• Treatment: Antimalarial medications are used for treatment, often curing the infection if promptly addressed.

9. Dengue Fever

• Symptoms: Fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe dengue can cause severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, and bleeding.
• Treatment: Supportive care, including hydration and pain relief. No specific cure, but symptoms are manageable. Severe cases require hospital care.

Mosquito Prevention Tips for Tri-State Residents

• Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly remove water from items like flower pots, gutters, and old tires (looking at you in-town junk collector).
• Use Insect Repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks provide a barrier against mosquito bites. Net hats when hiking or working in infested areas is a smart choice as well.
• Install Screens / Nets: Keep doors and windows closed or covered with screens or nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local public health advisories and take additional precautions during periods of high mosquito activity (flooding and wet weather) or disease outbreaks.

By taking these preventive steps, residents can significantly reduce their risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease. For more information and updates, consult local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.