Latest news with #DEET-based
Mint
5 days ago
- Health
- Mint
‘Black Death' strain back? Arizona reports first death since 2007
'Black Death' in Arizona: A resident of north Arizona died from pneumonic plague, marking the first death in the region in 18 years. The last death was reported in 2007, when an individual had contact with a dead animal infected with the disease, health officials said on Friday. Plague, once known as the 'Black Death' that nearly wiped out half of Europe's population, is now rare in humans and treatable with antibiotics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis – with two main clinical forms of plague infection — bubonic and pneumonic. The patient from Coconino County visited Arizona's Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department and died there the same day, NBC News reported, citing a statement by Northern Arizona Healthcare. Rapid tests of the Arizona patient suggested that the person was infected with the same bacteria Yersinia pestis. Despite 'appropriate initial management,' and 'attempts to provide life-saving resuscitation,' the patient did not recover, reported NBC News. Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium. Pneumonic plague, which spreads to the lungs from other untreated forms of plague, is the most serious and is usually rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pneumonic plague 'develops when bacteria spread to the lungs of a patient with untreated bubonic or septicemic plague, or when a person inhales infectious droplets coughed out by another person or animal with pneumonic plague.' The UK government has said that plague no longer exists in the nation, and the chances of it occurring in a country is 'very low,' reported BBC. The causative bacterium of pneumonic plague — Yersinia pestis — also causes bubonic plague. Apart from pneumonic plague, there are different forms of plague, which includes the bubonic plague. It is the most common form of plague, and spreads through the bite of an infected flea. Symptoms of the bubonic plague in humans typically appear within two to eight days after exposure and may include fever, chills, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Prevention measures include using a DEET-based insect repellent to protect against flea bites, avoiding contact with dead animals, infected tissues or materials, and avoiding close contact with patients who have the symptoms, and crowded areas where recent cases have been reported.
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Pest experts reveal the reasons mosquitoes bite certain people — and you'll be surprised
Summer is here and it's the ideal time to enjoy the warm weather outdoors. And if you've spotted unsightly bites on your skin, mosquitoes are the most likely culprit. Wether you're at home or away on vacation, getting rid of mosquitoes is frustrating to say the least. At just 2 to 4 mm in size, these blood-sucking pests can bite you and leave behind an itchy or raised rash which can be irritating for days. But, if you're prone to getting mosquito bites more than your partner or family members, you might be wondering why. According to pest controllers, certain people are more enticing for mosquitoes to feast on than others — and this all depends on several factors. Luckily, we've got the experts at hand to answer all your questions, and to reveal the reasons mosquitoes will only bite certain people. Believe it or not, mosquitoes are attracted to a particular body size of a person. This is down to the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled, which attracts mosquitoes. "First, body factors do affect the menu for mosquitoes, and size plays into it," states Allan Bossel, Operations Expert at Bed Bug Exterminator. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Some people give off more carbon dioxide when they breathe, and that is the main chemical that attracts mosquitoes like magnets. So if you are taller or heavier, your lungs pump out more of it." Whether we're dripping in sweat in a heatwave, or have just finished a daily jog, workout or physical activity, it's probably best to jump in the shower straight away. "Sweat plays a role," states Bossel. "The lactic acid and ammonia found in sweat are two of the main attractants for mosquitoes. If you just went for a 30-minute jog and skipped a rinse, you are basically a walking mosquito lure. While daytime biting mosquitoes are increasing in range, the real pressure comes from dusk until dawn. The best way to help prevent bites is to plan ahead and be prepared with a repellent solution of your choosing that fits the occasion. If you are stationary around the table, on the porch, patio or deck, a spatial repellent like Thermacell is great to use. For those on the go, personal DEET-based sprays offer great protection." It's important to note that only female mosquitoes feed on blood and only to breed What's more, you're only likely to get bitten by female mosquitoes, as they feed on blood to breed. "Mosquitoes have evolved to really be able to zero in on their targets," adds Adam Goess, Executive Director of Innovation & Insights at Thermacell Repellents, Inc. and in-house Bug Expert. "It's important to note that only female mosquitoes feed on blood and only to breed. They are attracted to CO2 and the lactic acid on our skin. Oftentimes outdoor activities will cause us to sweat a little more or breathe a little harder, alerting mosquitoes to our presence." Another interesting reason why mosquitoes bite certain people is dependent on their blood type. "With blood type, people with Type O blood are found to be bitten more frequently than those with Type A or B" states David Price, Associate Certified Entomologist and Vice President, Strategic Growth, Mosquito Joe. "Mosquitoes can detect blood type in markers in skin secretions, although any blood type can be bitten." So, if you are a blood Type O, what are the best ways to repel buzzing mosquitoes? "Most natural solutions work by masking the odors that mosquitoes key in on (CO2, lactic acid). Solutions like vanilla extract, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus etc., must be applied in high concentrations around every 30 minutes to see any noticeable effectiveness," advises Goess. This pure peppermint oil is paraben free, and provides a fresh scent. Versatile to use in aromatherapy, or in an oil or reed diffuser. And while the fragrance is pleasant to our senses, it is also known to be a natural mosquito and pest repellent. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your home and your yard, and you can even make your own non-toxic mosquito trap in just a few easy steps. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or citronella are also great, natural mosquito repellents.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Why Mosquitoes Are Getting More Dangerous—And What You Can Do About It
Texas officials are warning residents to brace themselves—not for hurricanes or heatwaves, but for something far smaller and deadlier: mosquitoes. Thanks to recent storms and rising global temperatures, health officials say mosquito season is arriving early, lasting longer, and becoming far more dangerous, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Experts are sounding the alarm as conditions across the South, from Texas to Florida, create a perfect breeding ground for the so-called deadliest animal on the planet. 'Mosquito seasons are running longer than before,' said Marcel Elizondo, head of Austin's Environmental Health Services division. 'We're seeing more standing water, more heat, and more ideal conditions for mosquito reproduction.' That's bad news when you consider what mosquitoes actually bring with them. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquitoes kill over 1 million people a year worldwide, not directly, but by spreading devastating diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile. Malaria alone is responsible for more than 600,000 preventable deaths annually, and U.S. cases of West Nile and Zika are climbing in southern states. "Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on the planet," Bethany Bolling, who leads virus testing for the Texas Department of State Health Services, told KAXN. Climate change is supercharging the threat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, warmer temperatures speed up mosquito lifecycles, increase biting rates, and accelerate the disease incubation process inside the insect. Add in flooding and standing water from spring storms, and you've got a perfect storm. What can you do? Public health officials recommend draining standing water from gutters, buckets, and flower pots, fixing leaks, and treating ponds with mosquito dunks. If you're hiking or camping, DEET-based repellents and full-coverage clothing are your best bet. This isn't just about comfort. It's about stopping a silent killer from getting louder and protecting your health while enjoying the Mosquitoes Are Getting More Dangerous—And What You Can Do About It first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2025
