Summer started earlier in Multnomah County, and the heat brought more insects.
Portland, Oregon (Light seal) — Early in the summer, the Multnomah County Health Department reported that it could be the worst mosquito season yet. Local health care providers are now reporting an increase in patients seeking treatment for insect bites.
The increase is due to changing weather conditions, according to Kaiser Permanente Northwest Emergency Director Dr. Anne Toledo. He said climate change is allowing disease-carrying insects to live longer.
Additionally, Levi Zahn, supervisor of the vector control and code enforcement program, previously told KOIN 6 that summer temperatures were earlier and hotter in Multnomah County, resulting in a rapid emergence of flood mosquitoes.
Most of these insects are simply “nuisance mosquitoes” that pose no serious threat to humans, but the county still encourages citizens to dispose of artificial water containers in their backyards that can disrupt the mosquito life cycle. calling to
Caused by ticks, parasitic arthropods More diseases in the US than mosquitoes. However, only some ticks, such as the black-footed tick, can spread infections like Lyme disease to humans.
“Lyme disease is very rare in Oregon, and Western black-footed mites can spread Lyme disease, but it is important to know what other risks are and take preventative measures to protect yourself from these summer pests. It’s important,” Toledo said in a statement. . “Most ticks are so tiny, about the size of a sesame seed, that people don’t even know they’ve been bitten until there’s a trail or the tick grows.”
Doctors added that in rare cases severe allergic reactions can occur. If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling or redness around the bite, or fever, you will be directed to seek emergency medical care.
Kaiser Permanente also advised residents to cover their skin and use insect repellent regularly when visiting grassy or wooded areas.
