The Most Deadly Creature On Earth Has Returned To New York State
The deadliest creature on earth has made its return to the state, threatening New Yorkers' health and disturbing our outdoor activities. Now that we've made it to May, its season is fully underway and won't end for approximately six months.
New York State is home to 70 species of mosquitos and they will be active soon. They carry several types of potentially deadly viruses that can be transmitted to humans, so it's important to protect yourself and your family from their bites. According to Laura Harrington, a professor of entomology at Cornell University,
Mosquito season generally lasts from the end of April and into October in New York state, but mosquitoes may emerge before April if the spring climate is unusually warm. Unfortunately, mosquito season has been starting earlier and ending later in northern temperate regions due to warming global temperatures.
Mosquitoes Are The Deadliest Creatures In The World
Mosquitoes kill an estimated 725,000 to 1 million people each year. That number far exceeds the second deadliest creature, humans, which kill more than 430,000 other humans each year.
There are no vaccines available for the viruses mosquitos carry, which include Zika virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. Some species of mosquitos are most active during the day, from dusk to dawn, while other species are active all day.
In 2022, there were 41 recorded cases of West Nile Virus infection outside of New York City from January to November of 2022. There was one human case of Zika Virus during the same time last year.
As for CHIKV, DENV, and Malaria:
3 human cases of CHIKV infection have been reported to NYSDOH. 0 cases of LMBT have been identified.
23 human cases of DENV infection have been reported to NYSDOH. 0 cases of LMBT have been identified.
50 human cases of malaria infection have been reported to NYSDOH. 0 cases of LMBT have been identified.
The map below shows the counties that had the most reports of West Nile Virus in humans and mammals.
Where Will You Find The Most Mosquito Activity In New York State?
Mosquitos love and need water, so New York is a prime place for them since we are surrounded by many large bodies of water. They lay their eggs in or near water and their young spend time developing in water before they become adults. One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from mosquitos is to eliminate "standing" water around your home. New York State's Health Department offers these tips to help keep mosquitos away from your home:
Here's What You Can Do To Help Prevent Mosquitos Around Your Home
The key to preventing those itchy, pesky mosquito bites is to be prepared and know what attracts them to your home. Follow the tips above to help keep your house and yard mosquito-free.