It’s officially itchy ankle season in Ottawa and beyond.
Carleton biology PhD candidate Marc Avramov is studying mosquitoes in Canada and how people could be affected while out and about this summer.
Avramov’s work explores the insects — and the pathogens they carry across — in the Ottawa Valley. He and his team look at the factors that influence their abundance while also examining mosquito borne-diseases.
The Charlatan connected with Avramov to hear about what Ottawans can expect as the summer heat ramps up.
The Charlatan (TC): What do you think we can expect this summer from mosquitoes and their abundance?
Marc Avramov (MA): We know the season started around the end of May when they started to come out.
If we see a lot of rain this summer, that will likely cause some water accumulation across the landscape and with that, all the mosquitoes’ eggs get covered and therefore are in good condition to hatch.
In much of May, we had colder weather conditions that weren’t suitable for their eggs to hatch. But now that temperatures have warmed up and stabilized, we’re probably going to experience the usual growth and abundance in mosquito populations across Ottawa.
TC: Does climate change have an effect on mosquito season?
MA: Climate change does indeed have important consequences when it comes to abundance, but also when it comes to mosquito-borne pathogens.
One important aspect of climate change is how it affects the range expansion of species.
Right now, we have species that are localized in different areas of Canada, depending on weather and climatic patterns. But as temperatures increase, we can see species settling in more northern parts of the country, and the same applies for the pathogens.
TC: Are there any mosquito-borne diseases that people should know about?
MA: It’s usually the same ones reported by the public health agency in Canada, like West Nile virus, which is found in Ottawa every year.
There is also Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which is an important virus to be aware of because of its severity. We have seen an Ottawa death caused by it just last year.
It’s important to keep an eye out for them. They’re nothing to be worried about as the public goes out and enjoys their day in the sun, but we have definitely seen these pathogens around.
TC: What are the symptoms of these infections?
MA: They are all fever-causing infections so any vomiting or common fever-like symptoms can be a sign. That’s why it’s hard to directly diagnose it as a mosquito-borne virus if you don’t get a severe infection. Those severe infections can range from neurological disorders all the way to death.
TC: What are the best ways people can protect themselves against mosquitoes?
MA: One of the most effective ways to avoid getting bit is to wear proper clothing when you’re out. That can mean wearing long sleeves, long pants or even a bug suit in areas where they’re really abundant.
Otherwise, you can use general repellents and natural products. If something doesn’t work for you, try other things that are on the shelf, and you might be surprised to find a product that works for you specifically.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Featured image provided by Marc Avramov
