Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Coronavirus?

Posted by: West Georgia Eye Care Center in Frontpage Article on May 21, 2020

Spring in the South has many joys but mosquitoes and ticks are not among them. These locally prevalent insects can put a damper on outdoor fun with aggravating bites that can cause itching, burning and allergic whelps. Adding to the irritation is the rumor that these insects may be carriers of the coronavirus!?

Myth Busted – 

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) bust this myth, as their website states that there is no current data to suggest that the coronavirus can be spread by mosquitoes or ticks. The main way the coronavirus is thought to spread is from person to person by contact or through respiratory droplets that contain the virus.

Repel Them – 

Keep your bug repellent handy though, because ticks or mosquitos can spread other diseases such as Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus or rarely the Zika virus. Insect repellents that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can significantly reduce your risk of insect-borne illness. Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs can also help minimize the risk.

Ewww – 

Eyes are not immune to the risk of insect bites or insect-borne disease. There are documented cases of a tick lodging in the outer layer that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva). This part of the eye is a soft tissue with dense blood vessel networks, and ticks have a preference for vascular, soft-tissue areas that they can easily penetrate and latch onto. Additionally, Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus can cause secondary ocular symptoms and signs.

However, we don’t recommend spraying repellant in or near the eyes! Repellant applied to the hands and then to the neck, ears and hair should help repel insects from the face.

Be conscientious – protect yourself and enjoy our great Southern outdoors safely, and hopefully without insect or eye incidents!