West Nile virus

LSU Researchers' Nootkatone Studies Could Lead to Prevention of Lyme Disease

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

The LSU researchers propose decreasing the cost of the nootkatone synthesis, making any products made with the compound affordable to the general public.

Key Points: 
  • The LSU researchers propose decreasing the cost of the nootkatone synthesis, making any products made with the compound affordable to the general public.
  • “The family of compounds that make up nootkatone is already proven to be both safer and more effective than existing commercial repellents,” principal investigator Dooley said.
  • Years ago, Laine discovered the efficacy of nootkatone as an insect repellent while collaborating with retired LSU AgCenter Entomologist Gregg Henderson in Laine’s lab.
  • Mosquito nets could be covered with it, or they could have cloth ankle bands with nootkatone so ticks can’t crawl up your leg.

Experts Warn of Invasive Pests Increasing Their Footprint Across the U.S.

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 10, 2023

“Without natural predators in their environment, invasive pest populations can easily get out of hand,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA.

Key Points: 
  • “Without natural predators in their environment, invasive pest populations can easily get out of hand,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA.
  • “If you suspect an invasive pest infestation in or around your home immediately contact a pest control professional.
  • According to a new survey from NPMA conducted online by The Harris Poll, nearly 1 in 5 (18%) Americans have found invasive pests in their home and 17% are concerned about the threats posed by invasive species.
  • To learn more about invasive pests and the threats they pose, visit PestWorld.org .

How to Prevent Unwanted Pests from Invading Your Backyard Barbecues this Summer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 27, 2023

FAIRFAX, Va., July 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of summer, barbecues and outdoor gatherings are in full swing and unwanted pests are hoping to join in on the fun. An online survey from the National Recreation and Park Association reports having a picnic or barbecue is a favorite summertime outdoor activity in the U.S. To protect families during their summer celebrations, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is sharing tips to prevent encounters with pests like ants, ticks, mosquitoes and stinging insects.

Key Points: 
  • FAIRFAX, Va., July 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of summer, barbecues and outdoor gatherings are in full swing and unwanted pests are hoping to join in on the fun.
  • NPMA is warning Americans about the threats pests pose and how to prevent them from ruining backyard barbecues.
  • "Summer barbecues are supposed to be all about fun but mosquitoes and ticks are a couple of pests that are more than just a nuisance.
  • You'll want to watch out for stinging insects especially – these pests send more than half a million people to the emergency room each year."

All of Beer Announces MosquitoniX Chemical-Free Mosquito Repellent Wrist Band

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Oberiberg, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - July 3, 2023) - All of Beer has announced the MosquitoniX Band, a battery-powered wearable band that can repel mosquitoes.

Key Points: 
  • Oberiberg, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - July 3, 2023) - All of Beer has announced the MosquitoniX Band, a battery-powered wearable band that can repel mosquitoes.
  • Available in minimalistic designs, the MosquitoniX Band can be worn on the wrist as the user carries out their daily activities.
  • For consumers looking for chemical-free alternatives, All of Beer recommends the MosquitoniX Band as a non-toxic and non-intrusive mosquito repellent.
  • The MosquitoniX Band also sets itself apart from other wearable repellents by having three distinct settings.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever – why this tick-borne virus could become more common in richer countries

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 20, 2023

However, richer countries, such as the UK, will also probably be on the receiving end of emerging infectious disease threats as the country warms.

Key Points: 
  • However, richer countries, such as the UK, will also probably be on the receiving end of emerging infectious disease threats as the country warms.
  • Dengue, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, is becoming more widely reported in European countries, particularly in some parts of Italy and France.
  • The West Nile virus, which is also spread by mosquitoes, has been common across many states in the US, with typically more than 1,000 cases reported each year.
  • Another virus shifting to new locations is the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which is transmitted by ticks.
  • CCHFV is a serious pathogen – typically between 10-40% of people who contract the virus will die from it.

Should we be worried?

    • The Hyalomma tick is not currently established in the UK, and so the threat, for now, is very low.
    • Still, there are many other types of ticks in the UK, including those responsible for causing Lyme disease, which are usually found on vegetation.
    • There is concern from the WHO and other health experts about the global spread of this Hyalomma tick.

Rainy Season Mosquitoes Prompt Five Florida Counties to Issue Mosquito Borne Illness Health Advisories

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 20, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's summer rainy season is falling in full force. More rain leads to more mosquitoes that only require a bottle cap of standing water to breed and spread.

Key Points: 
  • In Florida, mosquito-borne disease activity has already prompted mosquito-control and state health officials in five counties - Orange, Polk, Sarasota, Manatee, and Miami-Dade - to issue mosquito borne-illness health warnings.
  • Local mosquito control officials are strongly urging residents and visitors to take basic precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to help limit exposure.
  • "Like humans, mosquitoes live around the world but love to come to Florida," said Sandra Fisher-Grainger, President of the Florida Mosquito Control Association and Director of Hernando County Mosquito Control.
  • The Florida Mosquito Control Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary of protecting the state's residents, businesses, and visitors.

Mosquito Joe® Sets the Stage for National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, Championing Global Health

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., June 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosquito Joe®, a Neighborly® company, is taking a proactive stance against mosquitoes as it kicks off National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, June 18-24. The leading pest control company aims to educate the public about protecting people and their homes from these blood-sucking pests while raising awareness about the diseases they potentially carry. The week also marks the launch of Mosquito Joe's Beat the Bloodsuckers campaign, a charitable initiative that aims to make a global impact by supporting those at the highest risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Key Points: 
  • VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., June 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosquito Joe® , a Neighborly® company, is taking a proactive stance against mosquitoes as it kicks off National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, June 18-24.
  • Mosquitoes are not just irritating pests disrupting outdoor summer activities; they pose a significant threat to public health as carriers of diseases.
  • Seek Professional Assistance: If you're dealing with a severe mosquito problem, consider hiring a professional pest control company like Mosquito Joe.
  • National Mosquito Control Awareness Week also marks the commencement of Mosquito Joe's 11th annual Beat the Bloodsuckers campaign, which aims to raise awareness about mosquito-borne illnesses and make a meaningful difference in communities worldwide.

Center for Lyme Action Honors Congressional Leaders During Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 11, 2023

"Lyme is a frustrating and debilitating disease, but it's a solvable problem," said Jeff Crater, co-founder of the Center for Lyme Action.

Key Points: 
  • "Lyme is a frustrating and debilitating disease, but it's a solvable problem," said Jeff Crater, co-founder of the Center for Lyme Action.
  • "Unfortunately, Lyme disease cases are on the rise," Maine Senator Susan Collins told Center for Lyme Action advocates at their annual DC fly-in.
  • The Center for Lyme Action awards build on the momentum of 163% increase in Federal funding for Lyme disease across Federal agencies from $59 million in FY20 to $155.5 million in FY23.
  • Federal funding for Lyme disease continues to be very low at $82 per patient compared with much rarer diseases.

Abbott and New Global Consortium Partnership Address Viral Outbreaks Caused by Climate Change

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 20, 2023

If a potential outbreak is identified, resources and rapid surveillance testing can be sent to that location to prevent further spread.

Key Points: 
  • If a potential outbreak is identified, resources and rapid surveillance testing can be sent to that location to prevent further spread.
  • The CLIMADE consortium will be focused on improving surveillance tools and expanding access to resources to decrease the impact of climate amplified diseases and epidemics.
  • Abbott and its partners in the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition will provide viral sequencing and testing data as part of the technology being developed and can provide diagnostic testing for potential outbreaks.
  • At Abbott, our work focuses in two areas: tracking and finding solutions for emerging health threats and preparing frontline systems and communities.

Mosquito Joe® Urges Early Action for Mosquito Control and Prevention this Season

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 13, 2023

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosquito Joe®, a Neighborly® company, is taking the lead this season in early mosquito control and prevention, urging homeowners to take action against mosquitoes and ticks. With warmer winters in some regions across the country, peak mosquito season is fast approaching, and many areas will have a larger presence of bugs this year due to the accumulation of moisture and snow.

Key Points: 
  • VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosquito Joe ®, a Neighborly ® company, is taking the lead this season in early mosquito control and prevention, urging homeowners to take action against mosquitoes and ticks.
  • "With the recent moisture and snow accumulation, homeowners should take early action and protect themselves against the potential health risks posed by these pests."
  • Franchise locations across the US offer professional services that provide reliable and effective solutions for mosquito and tick control.
  • For more information about Mosquito Joe and how to take early action in pest control this year, visit MosquitoJoe.com.