Columbus Uses 61 Mosquito Traps to Monitor West Nile Risk

Mosquito populations and the health risks they pose are a growing concern in various regions, with stagnant water and warm temperatures providing ideal breeding grounds. In Columbus, Ohio, public health officials use traps to monitor mosquito numbers and test for diseases like West Nile virus, though this season started slowly due to cooler temperatures. Similarly, Congaree National Park in South Carolina tracks mosquito activity with a "Skeeter Meter" and educates visitors about the risks, opting not to spray pesticides to protect biodiversity. Internationally, the monsoon season in India increases mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, with significant health impacts and ongoing surveillance by national health programs. Meanwhile, Finnish and Swedish authorities warn against the import of toxic and unauthorized mosquito repellents sold online, highlighting potential health dangers from unregulated products. In Goa, India, illegal dumping of debris is causing water accumulation and creating mosquito breeding hazards, prompting local officials to call for immediate action to protect public health.