Diseases - Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can be caused by viruses. The symptoms of encephalitis can range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms include rapid onset of severe headaches, high fever, and mental disturbances such as confusion, irritability, tremors, stupor and coma. Not all types of encephalitis viruses are carried by mosquitoes. However, mosquitoes carry at least two types of encephalitis viruses that cause human disease in Illinois.
Mosquitoes can also infect dogs with heartworm.
The worms live in the heart and can severely weaken or kill the dog. Although difficult to treat, this disease is easily prevented by medication that can be prescribed by your veterinarian. Often, the number of mosquitoes in an area can be reduced by removing sources of standing water. Hundreds of mosquitoes can come from a single discarded tire. Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water-holding containers.