Mosquitoes draw first blood, AMDS fights back

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Although bothersome, mosquitoes may seem like harmless pests however, the consequences of being bitten may be much more than a small itch.

The 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight has been trapping mosquitoes on base all summer. Once trapped, mosquitoes are then sent for lab testing, where they are identified as carriers of diseases such as West Nile Virus, Chikungunya Virus, Malaria and Dengue Fever.

"We go out trapping and send out mosquitoes two to three times a week," said Airman 1st Class Karl Ambrosio, 82nd AMDS public health technician.

Traps are placed in areas where mosquitoes thrive, such as where water is stagnant or high uncut grass exists. Once set, the traps sit dormant until nightfall and activate. The two types of traps used by public health attract mosquitoes through the release of carbon dioxide. Once near the trap, a small fan pulls unknowing mosquitoes into small net bags.

Weather plays a huge role in the trapping results. According to accuweather's website, mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, while constant rain or moving water can wash out the eggs.

"Whatever mosquitoes we catch in the traps are sent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio," Ambrosio said. "They get back to us on whatever they find in the mosquitoes."

According to Ambrosio, female mosquitoes carry diseases. Female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite. Therefore, the Public Health Flight sorts through batches of caught mosquitoes to only send the females for testing.

"If something is found in the mosquitoes, it's our job to inform the public," he said.

It is the Public Health Flight's role to help the base population combat mosquitoes and avoid being bitten. West Nile Virus is the most common threat in the Texas area. So far, no mosquitoes from base have tested positive. However, there is always a threat of contracting the virus through one mosquito bite.

"If there is a stagnant puddle at your house that's been there for a while, mosquitoes are going to lay eggs and they are going to grow from there," Ambrosio said. The best way to protect yourself and prevent mosquito bites is to wear DEET containing insect repellants. These repellants are available over the counter and are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, 70 to 80 percent of people who become infected with West Nile will not develop any signs or symptoms, 25 percent will develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache and vomiting. Most people with this type of West Nile Virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or longer.

For more information on mosquito bite protection, please click here or contact the Public Health Flight at 676-3052.