Pueblo of Isleta Environment Department Mosquito Awareness Presentation

Mosquito Facts: Female mosquitoes feed on animals and humans Attracted to humans by body odors, carbon dioxide and body heat from animals and humans Some species prefer biting at certain hours, for example at dusk and dawn or in the middle of the night Mosquitoes are considered the most dangerous creatures on the planet, responsible for more human deaths each year than sharks, snakes, bears and lions combined. A female mosquito can lay as many as 300 eggs in one go and produce up to 3,000 offspring during her entire life span.

Why are we noticing more mosquitoes? There is more breeding habitat this year because of the high flow and overbanking of the Rio Grande river creating pools of standing water.

Mosquito eggs are laid on damp surfaces just above or near the water line in temporary pools and other habitats where the water level rises and falls. The eggs can survive 5 years in a dry habitat and will only hatch when flooded with water. Mosquito eggs can also survive a New Mexico winter.

This is what hundreds of hatching mosquitoes look like. This small puddle is maybe 3’ in diameter and contains hundreds of eggs.

What’s happening this year?

to ask what we were going to do about the mosquito “problem.” People started calling the Governor’s Office and the Environment Office to ask what we were going to do about the mosquito “problem.” Governor J. Robert Benavides

What is Environment doing? We decided to educate the community on how to protect themselves from being bit by mosquitoes. The Pueblo has hired Roadrunner Public Health to treat for mosquitoes throughout the Pueblo.

What diseases can you get from mosquitoes? Mosquitoes carry MANY diseases including viruses and parasites. Mosquito-borne illnesses include malaria, West Nile, dengue fever, yellow fever and the Zika Virus.

What is West Nile? The West Nile Virus can cause disease in people, birds, horses and other animals. The Virus is spread by mosquito bites.

How do people get infected with the West Nile Virus? By being bitten by mosquitoes that are carrying the virus. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on birds that have the virus in their blood. Once a mosquito is infected, it can pass on the virus to humans, animals and birds.

Can a person get the virus directly from people, birds or animals? The virus is not spread person-to-person. There is also no evidence that a person can get the virus by touching a dead bird or animal with the virus.

Should you be tested for the West Nile Virus if you were bitten? No, only a small percent of mosquitoes carry the virus. However you should see a doctor if you develop symptoms.

What are some of the symptoms? Fever Headache Body aches In severe cases, it can affect the central nervous system, causing high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation, brain inflammation, coma, and rarely: death

Is there treatment for West Nile? No, most people with mild illness will recover in a few days. In severe cases, patients are treated with supportive therapy, which can include hospitalization, intravenous fluids and respiratory support.

These products will help you fight off mosquitoes!

How to apply mosquito spray Always read the label Spray should be applied to exposed skin and clothing only Do not apply to open wounds or cuts Do not spray face! Spray it onto your hands first, then wipe on face avoiding your eyes and mouth If using in combination with sunscreen, apply repellent second.

At home, you can also deter mosquitoes by using a fan. A little breeze will keep mosquitoes away.

ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT CONTACTS THANK YOU ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT CONTACTS Ruben Lucero 869-9819 Ramona Montoya 869-7565