As spring approaches, several U.S. cities are preparing for an increase in disease-spreading pests due to unusual weather patterns. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has released its bi-annual Public Health Pest Index, warning of a surge in ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents in areas that experienced warm or wet winters.
These pests can spread diseases such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Salmonella, plague, and hantavirus.
“Ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents pose serious health risks,” said Dr. Jorge Parada , Medical Advisor for NPMA with a focus on infectious disease . “They can spread dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Salmonella, plague, and hantavirus, and even trigger asthma and allergies. Educating the public on these threats is critical, because without proper prevention, these pests can have serious consequences on our health.”…