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The H1N1 flu virus, also known as the “swine flu” has spread rapidly in the past year, infecting people in dozens of countries around the globe.  Every time a major epidemic breaks out there is public panic over how it is spread.  One of the most common myths today is that swine flu can be spread by mosquitoes. 

The good news is that there has been no recorded evidence that swine flu can be spread between humans via mosquito bites.  While they do spread other illnesses such as malaria and yellow fever, mosquitoes do not have the ability to spread just any disease that comes along.  Rather, in order for any pest to be able to carry and transmit a disease, it must have evolved a symbiotic relationship characterized by the virus living within the host insect for at least part of its life.  If the host insect has not developed a “relationship” with the virus, it will quickly pass it through its system and be rid of it.  Mosquitoes simply do not have the ability to physically transmit random diseases.  (The one exception to this rule has been the West Nile Virus which itself has adapted the ability to pass through the insect into the bloodstream of another host.)

Remember, just because you read it on the internet doesn’t make it true.  You need to be able to check the facts before you allow yourself to panic, or pass on information to others which may be incorrect.  Check the U.S. Government website for the CDC (www.cdc.gov), or your state health department website to get accurate information on how specific diseases can be contracted and prevented. 

There is no end to the websites or individuals online who claim to have accurate information about infectious diseases.  They may even swear that they were told by a doctor, but that does not mean the information is necessarily reliable.  You have to be willing to verify information yourself from authentic sources before making any rash decisions about how to protect yourself from swine flu—or any other disease.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.