Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are small, itchy welts that appear on your skin after a mosquito has had a blood meal. These bumps usually disappear on their own within a few days. Sometimes, a mosquito bite can become quite swollen, painful, and red. This stronger reaction, sometimes called a severe allergic reaction or a "mosquito bite bump," is more likely to happen in children.

Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases. If a mosquito is carrying a virus or parasite, it can pass that illness on to you when it bites. For example, mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and the viruses that cause malaria, yellow fever, and some types of brain infections. These infections can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and sometimes even life-threatening complications. It's important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Mosquito bites are common, especially on uncovered skin. They usually cause a small, itchy bump that appears quickly. Sometimes, the bite site becomes painful and red, looking like a raised, swollen area (sometimes called a hive) within a day or so. You might also see small blisters.

Some people have a stronger reaction to mosquito bites. This can include a large, swollen, and inflamed area, or a widespread rash that looks like hives. Children are more likely to have a stronger reaction than adults.

If you notice a mosquito bite reaction that's getting worse, or you have other symptoms, it's important to see a doctor. These other symptoms to watch out for could include a fever, a severe headache, body aches, or signs of infection (like redness, warmth, or pus at the bite site).

If you notice a pattern of mosquito bites accompanied by other symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. These warning signs could indicate a serious health problem. Look out for things like a high temperature (fever), a very bad headache, muscle aches all over your body, or any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus around the bite area. Don't hesitate to get medical attention if you suspect something is wrong.

Female mosquitoes bite people to get the blood they need to lay eggs. When a mosquito bites, it injects a tiny bit of saliva into your skin. Your body's immune system recognizes this saliva as a foreign substance and reacts to it. This reaction is what causes the itchy bump you see and feel after a mosquito bite.

Mosquitoes are drawn to certain smells. These smells can include things like the chemicals in your sweat, the scents from flowers, and the carbon dioxide that you exhale when you breathe.

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain things, making some people more likely to get bitten. Here are some reasons why:

• Sweating: Mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide that humans exhale, and sweating increases the amount of this gas released into the air. The more you sweat, the more noticeable you become to a mosquito.

• Wearing floral scents: Certain perfumes and colognes have scents that are appealing to mosquitoes. These scents can signal to mosquitoes that there's a potential blood source nearby. This includes scented lotions and soaps, not just strong perfumes.

• Living in mosquito-prone areas: If you live in a place where mosquitoes are common, you'll have more opportunities to encounter them. This could be due to factors like the presence of standing water where mosquitoes breed, or the climate and weather patterns.

• Spending time outdoors without repellent: Mosquitos are active outdoors, and if you're not using a repellent, you're a prime target. Repellents work by masking the human scent that attracts mosquitoes. Using repellent is a simple way to reduce the risk of getting bitten.

Itchy bites can become infected.

Mosquitoes can spread diseases. They carry tiny germs, like viruses, that cause illnesses. These viruses can include those that cause West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. A mosquito gets these viruses or parasites when it bites a person or animal who already has them. Then, when the mosquito bites you, it can pass these viruses or parasites on to you through its saliva. In the United States, we might see West Nile virus, dengue fever, and some types of brain swelling (encephalitis). Other diseases, like malaria and yellow fever, are more common in warm, tropical parts of the world.

Protecting Yourself from Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes can bite both day and night and can be found indoors. There are several ways to protect yourself.

Reducing Mosquito Exposure:

• Screen Repairs: Fix any rips or tears in window, door, and camping screens.
• Mosquito Nets: Use mosquito netting over strollers, cribs, and when sleeping outdoors.
• Scent-Free Products: Choose personal care products without fragrances.

Using Insect Repellent:

Mosquitoes are active at different times. Use repellent when they are most active. Effective repellents in the U.S. contain these ingredients:

• DEET
• Icaridin (also known as picaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• IR3535
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-Undecanone

These ingredients help keep mosquitoes away for a while. DEET might offer longer protection. Always read the product label before applying.

• Application Tips: Apply repellent outdoors, away from food. Reapply every 6-8 hours if you're still in a mosquito-prone area. If using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, about 20 minutes before the repellent. Avoid products that combine sunscreen and repellent, as you'll likely need to reapply sunscreen more often. Use only the amount needed and wash your hands after application.

Safety Precautions:

• Children: Do not use DEET-containing products on infants under 2 months old. Don't use icaridin on infants under 6 months. Check labels for oil of lemon eucalyptus products, as some aren't safe for children under 3. Avoid putting repellent on young children's hands, as they may put it in their mouths. Also, avoid applying repellent near their eyes and mouth, or under clothing. Do not apply over sunburns, cuts, wounds, or rashes.
• General Safety: Apply repellent according to package instructions. These products are generally safe for adults and children, but always check the label.

Using Permethrin:

Permethrin is an insecticide used to repel mosquitoes. It's designed for clothing and gear, not skin. Look for clothing pre-treated with permethrin at sporting goods stores. Do not wash or expose treated clothing or bed nets to sunlight, as this can weaken the repellent. Treated clothing provides protection for several washings and up to a few weeks.

Other Protective Measures:

• Clothing: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and a hat.
• Preventive Medicine: Talk to your doctor about vaccinations or other preventive medications.
• Skeeter Syndrome: If you have a strong reaction to mosquito bites, consider taking a non-drowsy, over-the-counter antihistamine before exposure.
• Mosquito Breeding Sites: Eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes breed. This includes:
  • Cleaning clogged roof gutters.
  • Emptying children's wading pools and birdbaths at least once a week.
  • Removing old tires.
  • Emptying outdoor flower pots regularly, or storing them upside down.
  • Draining any water that collects in your fire pit.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of mosquito bites and stay healthy.