Hurricane Milton: A Storm That Could Boost Mosquito Populations

Hurricane Milton hit Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, leaving behind devastation and a warning from health officials about floodwater infections. But that's not all. Scientists are worried about what might come next: a surge in mosquitoes. Imelda Moise, a geography professor at the University of Miami, explains that hurricanes create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive. With increased rainfall, humidity, and nutrient-rich floodwaters, mosquito numbers can explode. And that's a problem because more mosquitoes mean a higher risk of diseases like dengue, Zika, malaria, and West Nile virus. Moise and her team studied the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and found that mosquito populations skyrocketed. In Miami-Dade County, there were 7. 3 to 8 times more mosquitoes captured in the four weeks after the hurricane compared to the same period in 2016 and 2018. So, what can you do to stay safe? Eliminate standing water around your home, use approved insect repellents, and wear long sleeves. Also, make sure your windows and doors have screens, and if you feel sick, see a doctor right away.