A female Aedes aegypti mosquito, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito. It has a smaller distribution in Louisiana than the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Both can potentially transmit diseases to humans. Photo by James Gathany / Courtesy Centers for Disease Control
Unleashed: LSU experts aim to reduce effects of Zika and mosquito-borne diseases
With the recent publicity about the Zika virus outbreak, the public has been reminded again that mosquitoes are more than just an annoyance. These winged bloodsuckers have long been identified as the vector that spreads all kinds of the diseases ranging from encephalitis in people to heartworms in pets.
Like scientists across the globe, LSU researchers are working at a frantic pace to find out more about Zika virus itself and effective ways to prevent its spread.
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has several mosquito research projects underway. With the assistance of the SVM’s Vector-Borne Disease Laboratory, assistant professor in pathobiological sciences, Rebecca Christofferson is studying the Zika virus to see how it presents itself in different forms. Her team hopes to improve the ability to diagnose the virus.
LSU AgCenter medical entomologist Kristen Healy is working with mosquito-control efforts in Louisiana to minimize the effects of tropical diseases such as the Zika virus.
An LSU AgCenter medical entomologist Kristen Healy and her lab are working closely with the state’s mosquito control programs and implementing several applied research projects.
So far, Zika has been detected in individuals in U.S. and Louisiana who have traveled abroad or had sexual contact with infected individuals. The greatest risk of infection for adults appears to come from traveling to countries where the disease is documented to be spreading.
“It is not unusual to expect imported cases coming into the U.S.,” Healy says, “but an imported case in the area does not mean that local transmission will occur.”
Only 20% of the people exposed to the disease will show any signs of infection. Symptoms include a mild flu-like illness with fever, joint pain, conjunctivitis and a skin rash that alerts healthcare workers to the possibility of the disease when combined with the patient’s history of traveling to an affected region.
“The main concern is the current link between infants born with microcephaly [a head that is abnormally small] to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. However, there is still much we do not know regarding this link,” she says.
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends women who are pregnant or might become pregnant avoid travel to areas of known Zika transmission.
As far as a local threat, “Since it is still early in the mosquito season, it would be unlikely to see any local transmission at this time,” Healy cautions. “There is still much we do not know about which mosquito species will be important for transmission in this area.”
Two species of mosquitoes, the Asian tiger (Aedes albopictus) and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) have been identified as potential vectors of pathogen transmission. Healy’s graduate students are working to find out more about the behaviors of these two species to help fight disease spread.
While the Asian tiger mosquito is highly abundant in Louisiana—especially during the summer months—the yellow fever mosquito has a much smaller distribution in the state.
“Unfortunately, both Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti will bite during the day as well at dusk, dawn and evening hours,” Healy says.
Even though Zika virus has gotten a lot of publicity since becoming pandemic, Healy says Zika virus will probably be less of a threat in Louisiana than other mosquito-borne diseases in the area.
“West Nile virus continues to be important in our area, as well as sporadic cases of eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and Lacrosse encephalitis,” Healy says. “And, mosquitoes are the sole means of transmitting heartworms to pets.”
Healy explains West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis rely on birds for transmission. So, “these diseases are more difficult to control because you cannot easily access local bird populations,” she says.
Fortunately, Healy frequently works with the East Baton Rouge Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control to evaluate the effectiveness of the department’s applications and pesticides. The AgCenter and Mosquito Control are also collaborating to design a drone that can scout for potential mosquito breeding sites in piles of discarded tires in a wooded area or other inaccessible places.
Zika precautions
Transmission of the Zika Virus can be reduced when people protect themselves from mosquito bites. Healy advocates the following precautions:
• Using repellents registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and applying them according to label instructions
• Wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants that are light-colored
• Checking yards and businesses weekly for standing water in containers such as tires and buckets where mosquitoes lay eggs
• Repairing window and door screens to prevent entry of mosquitoes into homes
• Supporting local mosquito-control programs
More information about travel warnings and restrictions can be found at the CDC’s website. Cornell University in New York has developed an extensive website about the disease, and the University of Florida has information about the virus, mosquito vectors and prevention.
Creature feature
Although it frequently goes undiagnosed, heartworm disease does occur in cats. By keeping cats indoors and on preventive, the problem can be avoided. If your family is searching for a feline, Cat Haven has a variety of cats and kittens available, including:
Tobie is a 7-year-old female Siamese mix. When her owner passed away, she was brought to Cat Haven. Tobie is a sweet girl whose best friend use to be a dog. She has not lived around other cats.
Romeo was adopted from the rescue as a kitten and recently returned because his owner became very ill. This sweet 1-year-old tolerates small dogs and would prefer to live a home without other cats.
Virginia is a sweet girl that ended up pregnant at the animal shelter. Cat Haven rescued this spritely 10-month-old torti to give her a chance for a home.
Princess is a beautiful fluffy who was relinquished to rescue when her owner is fatally ill. This 8-year-old is both affectionate and quite playful. She is intimidated by small children; but, she loves teenagers. Princess tolerates dogs but is not fond of other cats.
Benny is a 3-year-old mellow, curious and playful guy. While he content to do his own thing, Benny is very friendly and enjoys human company. He is front-paw declawed and gets along wonderfully with other cats and children. However, Benny is not a fan of dogs.
Maggie is a 10-year-old Russian blue. Her previous owner developed allergies to her. Maggie is an independent girl, who loves attention on her own terms. She enjoys being to brushed and playing with water. Maggie is best suited to home without young children. She tolerates dogs but has not been exposed to other cats.
These pets have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available at Cat Haven. Call the shelter to make an appointment at 636-2680.
