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Mosquitoes are a common household problem in many areas of eastern United States. In order to rid themselves of the constant summer bites, homeowners hire companies to spray yards or buy foggers and insecticides. New research by North Carolina State University indicates that these choices could be helping mosquitoes to adapt and resist the chemicals intended to kill them. The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes Albopictus) is the focus of two linked studies. One study focuses on how the resistance develops and spreads, and the other on social patterns. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a common invasive species in much of eastern U.S. and a daytime biter throughout the Southeast. The species thrives both in the city and suburbs. It breeds in any container that holds water, including flowerpots, gutters clogged with debris, toys, and even bottlecaps. This is a worrying discovery: By 2023, there were genetic markers of insecticide resistance in 84% (or more) of the sampled blocks within a North Carolina county. These hotspots are more prevalent in wealthy neighbourhoods, where pesticide spraying occurs more frequently.
Unintentional evolution and backyard spraying
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North Carolina households use pyrethroids to kill adult mosquitoes. Pyrethroids, which are inexpensive and considered safe to use in homes and around people and pets, are a good alternative. They can be an effective way to limit the spread of mosquito-borne disease in areas with high levels. They are used in North Carolina primarily to control nuisance bites. According to the studies, backyard spraying repeated in many houses can have a significant impact on local selection, as those with more disposable funds are likely to purchase chemical products or pay for frequent mosquito spraying. Determining which mosquitoes reproduce is also a matter of chance. Mosquitoes who survive these treatments are often those that have slight genetic advantages. Insecticide resistance is the result of these survival traits spreading through mosquito populations over time. Homeowners who have money spray mosquitoes which results in localized resistance… As more and more resistant populations build up, controlling the population will be harder. According to Phys.org, the insecticides won’t be as effective. Martha Burford Reiskind is an associate professor in biological sciences and corresponding author of both papers at NC State.
Wake County: How the resistance spread
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Research was focused in Wake County, North Carolina and more specifically, resistance to pyrethroids. The team searched for DNA mutations that reduce mosquito sensitivity to insecticides. In one study, archived samples of mosquitoes from 2016-2024 were analysed to see how fast a resistance mutation spread. The initial picture was reassuring as no resistant mosquitoes had been found in samples from 2016 to 2017. The first resistant mosquitoes were found in 2018, but they only appeared at a few locations. By 2023 the situation had changed dramatically, with genetic markers linked to pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes being found in 84% (of residential blocks) that were sampled. Three-quarters of the mosquitoes tested carried the mutation that confers resistance. Within a short time, the resistance went from being undetectable all the way to becoming widespread. In places such as South America or Asia, this pattern has been observed in the past, when large-scale continuous spraying was used to fight diseases like malaria and dengue. Burford Reiskind said that similar dynamics, primarily driven by backyard mosquito control in private homes, are new to the United States mainland.
A neighbourhood pattern of wealth and resistance
North Carolina
Second study: Does resistance correlate with economic or social factors? Researchers used the total value of property in each region as a proxy to determine homeowner wealth. Although they didn’t measure the amount of spraying each household did, it was assumed that wealthy residents would be more inclined to use private mosquito control or purchase regular chemical treatments. Results showed that resistance was greater in areas with higher values of property. Insecticides are likely used more frequently in these areas, and the pressure created by this creates a constant environment that favors mosquitoes with resistance. According to the report, genetic screening was used by the team to detect resistance. They looked for mutations associated with “knockdown resistant” (kdr). The mutation in question affects the nervous system of the mosquito, which makes pyrethroids more effective for paralysing or killing insects. Burford Reiskind told Phys.org that “this mutation often appears first when insecticides are resistant.” It’s not just an annoying mosquito. The tiger mosquito is a daytime aggressive biter that can transmit dengue, Zika and chikungunya. It also causes dog heartworm. These studies were focused more on the resistance of mosquitoes than on the disease. However, their implications are still clear. When they become difficult to kill, public health officials may not be able to use the same tools during an outbreak. Michael Reiskind is an NC State professor and coauthor of the two papers. He said that to determine how widespread these patterns are, they will need to sample a wider range of neighbourhoods with a variety of age groups, income levels, density of housing and other factors.
Spraying by itself is not a good idea
Researchers’ main message is that chemical sprays are not the only way to combat mosquitoes. They warn that using them alone can be a dangerous strategy. The researchers warn that misuse or overuse of insecticides can cause mosquitoes to develop resistance and make the products less effective. They advocate integrated pest management approaches (IPM), which focus on first preventing mosquitoes breeding by removing any standing water, and should use biological and physical controls whenever possible. Chemical insecticides are only one of many tools that can be used, and they must not be applied constantly. This means that homeowners should regularly empty and check containers (flowerpots or buckets that catch rainwater, as well as toys, gutters or birdbaths) that are used to collect it. Covering or treating any water features which cannot be drained, cleaning gutters and drains in the yard and working together with neighbors to eliminate breeding areas.
A wider question for communities
This raises a larger question: what happens when thousands do the exact same thing, such as paying for a yard spray? The answer in Wake County is that the mosquitoes are adapting. What started as a few clusters in 2018, has now spread to most blocks in the county, particularly in the wealthier parts. This suggests that communities need to reconsider their approach to mosquito control. They should balance comfort, costs and effectiveness over the long term. What is your opinion of the best practical measure people can take to control mosquitoes in their own area, without spraying?
The End of the Article

MANCHESTER, N.H. —
New Hampshire officials have confirmed that there is no connection between the cases reported in New Hampshire and the cyclospora epidemic in other areas of the United States.
New Hampshire’s restaurants, meanwhile, are taking measures to ensure food safety and are focusing their efforts on this.
Airport Diner’s owner, The Common Man (which owns it), has kept in constant contact with all of its suppliers. Officials at The Common Man said that the company is not connected with the outbreak and the salads continue to be produced in its 18 restaurants across the state.
Nicole White, the culinary director at H.M.S. White, said that the team is ready to respond immediately in case a product recall occurs.
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She said that “as soon as the know about it, they can send out this information digitally.”
Text messages can be used to send alerts. White expressed her gratitude for the system that is in place, especially in light of recent outbreaks in other areas.
She said, “We are able to pivot quickly in these situations because the information comes out multiple times per day.”
New Hampshire health officials are also on high alert due to the outbreak.
Colleen Smit of the Department of Health and Human Services said, “We don’t believe any of the six cases we have reported this year are linked to the outbreak in the Midwest.”
Officials said it can be difficult to pinpoint where people got sick. The average number of cases in the state is less than 10. The doctors said that people cannot be too careful.
Brett Sweeney, Dr. of Southern New Hampshire Health said that people should always do what is right. They should wash their produce themselves, and make sure they are eating only produce that is reputable.
Common Man claims that the majority of their lettuce comes from New England.

Inside the National Quarantine Unit, there was a fervent and angry mood.
The date was 17 May, six days after United States officials evacuated 18 Americans, who were at the heart of an outbreak of the hantavirus that killed three, from the ship. They had taken the Americans to a special facility located in Omaha, Neb. for a 72-hour assessment before they could be allowed to go home and quarantine.
They had not tested positive for the disease, but Dr. David Fitter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told them via video that they could only leave for two weeks.
They had spent thousands of dollars on a trip to uninhabited areas in search of exotic animals and birds. The people were enraged by the lack of nature, fresh air and most importantly, freedom.
The New York Times obtained a video of the call in which a passenger, with a woodpecker red-headed as their Zoom icon, asked Dr. Fitter: “I ask you as a scientist, and as a person.” Do you really think it’s a good idea to keep me in this room, which is making me sicker by the day? I can be at home in an isolating situation.
Fitter, looking uncomfortable and unsure of his response, said: “I’m going to pass on this opportunity.”
The news of an outbreak on a cruise ship, which echoed the Covid Pandemic in its early years, alarmed many people across the globe. Andes hantavirus, a little-studied virus, has a death rate of almost 40% among patients hospitalized. This prompted countries to evacuate citizens and keep them under surveillance for 42 days. Some of the patients were first held in government facilities. The American Health officials, however, had stricter rules in the long run. They kept people in quarantine units despite C.D.C. recommendations. Scientists have recommended that people be permitted to monitor themselves at home.
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The sweet foods get a bad reputation. People feel bad for eating a dessert or reaching into the cupboard for a snack. One survey found that a third (or 2,000) of Americans felt guilty for eating certain foods.
Do you think it would make you feel more comfortable to learn that dietitians and doctors also enjoy sweets? Parade reported that Mackenzie Burgess RDN is a registered dietitian who eats desserts every day.
This is the cooking oil I always choose as an oncologist
Burgess explained that having sweet treats daily helped her maintain a balanced diet. Restricting food can have the opposite effect, leading us to want it more.
You may have heard that sugary food increases your risk of getting cancer. Does that mean that every time you consume something sweet you put your health at risk? The oncologists that we spoke to said the link isn’t as clear-cut.
Three oncologists discuss the link between sugar consumption and increased cancer risks. They also share their favorite sweets to satisfy a craving.
What Oncology dietitians want everyone to eat more of by 2026
Does Sugar Cause Cancer?
Three oncologists were interviewed by Parade about the link between sugary food and cancer. The three oncologists all agreed that it is a myth that eating sugary foods causes cancer. Eating sugar doesn’t directly “feed” tumors as is commonly suggested. “Ghg cancers metabolize sugar more quickly than normal cells. However, this does not mean that eating it directly feeds tumors,” said Dr. Nathan Handley MD, director of Jefferson Health’s Marcus Institute of Integrative Health’s Integrative Cancer Recover Program.
Sugar and cancer are indirectly linked. The link between cancer and sugar is not a myth, says Dr. Handley. The truth is: Sugary foods and beverages increase caloric intake, which leads to obesity. Dr. Handley states that obesity is known to cause at least thirteen types of cancer. He says that a lot of sugar increases cancer risk indirectly.
Dr. Dillon Cason, MD, a hematologist-oncologist at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, part of Jefferson Health, explains that when a person is obese, it is in a state of chronic inflammation that can make it easier for cancer cells to grow.
Oncologist Dr. Tingting Tan MD, PhD at City of Hope Newport Beach, California agrees. Sugary food and drinks are not directly linked to cancer. However, they can increase weight and cause obesity. These factors have been associated with increased cancer risk. She says that it’s crucial to keep in mind the fact that cancer is a result of a complex interplay between genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors.
Handley mentions that “additional sugars” can influence insulin levels and hormones, which may increase the risk of cancer.
Three Oncologists Said The Same Things When Asked About Cancer Prevention
Sources of sugary sources that Oncologists avoid
Three oncologists agree that sugary drinks such as sodas, juices, energy drinks, coffee-flavored drinks, and sweetened iced drinks are the biggest concern.
Handley states that “these are the most common sources of sugar added to the American diet, and they have consistently been linked with cancer in studies conducted on populations.” A can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons sugar, but it has no fiber or fullness. It spikes your blood sugar levels and increases calories that you may not notice. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Survivorship Guidelines recommend limiting sugar consumption to no more than six teaspoons a day. One can of soda is enough to put you over the limit. “If you were to change anything, I would say that it is the reduction of sugar-sweetened drinks.”
Dr. Cason agrees, stating that the sweetest foods are those that contain high fructose corn sugar and highly processed sugars. One example is soda.
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What Oncologists love about sweet foods
When craving something sweet, what do oncologists reach for? Fruit was the answer from all three oncologists we spoke to. Fruit, which contains sugar naturally and is not added to foods, has been linked with reduced cancer risks.
A 2023 metaanalysis in World Journal of Gastroenterology, which included more than one million participants, found that those who regularly ate citrus fruits, apples, watermelon, and kiwis had a lower colorectal-cancer risk than those who did not. A 2025 Journal of Cancer Prevention meta-analysis found that eating citrus fruit regularly was associated with a reduced risk of lung carcinoma.
Fruit consumption can help reduce the risk of cancer for a number of reasons. Fruits are rich in fiber. Foods with sugar added usually don’t. Fiber helps to blunt the impact of sugar on insulin and blood sugar. While digesting fiber, short-chain fats are produced. These fatty acids strengthen colon linings and promote cell death for damaged or mutant cells.
Fruits also contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, a cancer-causing agent. They may even slow the progression of tumors in certain cancers. The berries are a fruit high in antioxidants, and are favored by both Dr. Handley & Dr. Cason.
When Dr. Tan wants to eat something sweet, she chooses another fruit. “During summer, a peach ripe with a few pistachios is one of my favourite snacks. Peaches satisfy my natural sweet tooth, and pistachios provide protein and healthy fats to make this snack even more filling. “It’s delicious, simple and prevents me from eating more sweets”.
When they crave something sweet, Dr. Cason says that he and Dr. Handley also enjoy dark chocolate. The cacao content should be at least 70%. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants – flavanols – similar to fruits. Dark chocolate consumption may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. However, more studies on humans are needed to confirm this.
Sugar does not cause cancer. A cupcake won’t cause cancerous cells to form in your body. It’s important to have a healthy diet. Most of us have a sweet tooth from time-to-time. I do too. “I don’t think anyone needs to stop eating dessert to be healthy,” says Dr. Tan.
“It isn’t the goal to remove all sweetness in life,” Dr. Handley says. This is neither necessary nor realistic, and doesn’t even sound pleasant. “We want to switch the sweetening source from added processed sugars to natural whole foods,” says Dr. Handley.
As Dr. Tan puts it: “Healthy Eating isn’t depriving oneself.” You want to find a balance that you’ll enjoy, and can maintain for the long-term.
Fruit and dark chocolate are a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth. It’s okay to indulge in cookies every now and then.
The Next Step:
Related: “I am an oncologist — This is the one condiment I never put on my food”
Sources
The Most guilty “food guilt” after eating a meal or snacking. South Florida Reporter.
Dr. Nathan Handley is the director of Jefferson Health’s Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, and director of its Integrative Cancer Recover Program.
The Cancer Risk of Sugar and Processed Foods American Cancer Society.
Dr. Dillon Cason is a hematologist-oncologist and hematologist at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute (part of Jefferson Health).
Dr. Tingting Tan is an oncologist working at City of Hope Newport Beach, California.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Survivorship. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Survivorship.
Wu, Z. Y., Chen, J. L., Li, H., et al. (2023). Meta-analysis of studies examining the association between different types of fruits and risk of colorectal carcinoma. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 29(17):2679-2700.
Vahid Ahmadi Tabatabaei, S., Akbar Haghdoost, A., Mohammad Alavi, S., et al. (2023). The Relationship between Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Lung Cancer: A Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis from prospective cohort studies. Journal of Cancer Prevention. 30(2):75-88.
Hu, J., Wang, J., Li, Y., et al. (2023). The Use of Dietary Fibre in Reducing Risks of Multiple Cancer Types – An umbrella review Nutrients. 15(11):2545.
Schmidt, S. (2025). Antioxidants and cancer: Effects. EMBO Molecular Medicine. 17(8):1896-1901.
Young Hong, M., Nulton, E., Shelechi, M., et al. (2013). Nutrition and Cancer. 65(5):677-85.

MANHATTAN (PIX11), N.Y. — According to Manhattan’s Health Department, a fourth death has been reported in Manhattan in relation to Legionnaires disease.
On Friday, the first death reported in connection with the Legionnaires Cluster on Upper East Side.
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The health department reported two additional deaths that occurred on Sunday and Saturday.
Ron Katter is the attorney for the widow of a 88 year old businessman, Air Force veteran who passed away after two weeks of battle against Legionnaires Disease.
Katter said PIX 11 News that the husband lived near York Avenue in East 70s and his wife found him sick on the 2nd of July.
Katter stated, “She was on an errand when she left him in his apartment next to an opened window reading a mag and paying his bills. When she came back, he was not feeling well. He had a high temperature of 104.
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Katter intends to sue when the city’s health department determines which cooling tower is the source of active Legionella bacteria, which made the people sick. Katter stated that “it is as if their roof was dispersing poisonous gases.” It’s exactly what it is.
Mamdani stated on Monday that “we now believe we have eliminated the source exposure.”
Seven people are still in hospital with this disease as of Monday. 76 cases total have been reported.
If you develop symptoms of the flu, officials urge anyone living in ZIP codes 1028, 10075 or 10128 (or who has lived in these areas) to get immediate medical care.
Health Department continues to inspect cooling towers that test positive for Legionella.
Spencer Gustafson, a Long Island-based digital content producer who covers New York City and State news as well since 2023. You can see more of his works here.
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