Managing Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Waterborne Illness

Read the full article: Managing Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Waterborne IllnessDiscover more at Boondocking TipsExcerpt:Managing Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Waterborne IllnessSpending warm months by lakes and waterways is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it comes with hidden health risks. Mosquitoes, blackflies, and ticks are common biting insects near water that can transmit diseases. Likewise, swimming or drinking from natural water sources can expose you to waterborne pathogens (bacteria, parasites, or amoebae) that cause gastrointestinal or even life-threatening illness. Recent data show a surge in such cases: for example, U.S. officials found that mosquito- and tick-borne disease cases tripled from 2004–2016 (over 640,000 cases) (time.com). And CDC reported nearly 4,958 illnesses (and two deaths) from untreated recreational water in 2000–2014, often due to pathogens like norovirus, Shigella and E. coli (time.com). Understanding seasonal patterns, breeding habitats, and preventive measures is key to staying safe at lakes.... Continue reading