Mosquitoes are an indispensable, but very annoying, creature in our homes and surroundings, aren't they? Even if you go outside for a while, or leave a window open, someone will come and bite you. It doesn't matter if the itching starts later. So today, let's talk about this mosquito problem, why it happens, and what can be done about it.
What is a mosquito? Why do they bother us?
Simply put, mosquitoes are small, flying insects. You know, mosquitoes have six legs, and a long beak (mouth) that they use to suck blood and nectar. But here's the important thing, only female mosquitoes suck our blood . Male mosquitoes only drink nectar.
There are several types of mosquitoes around the world. There are mainly three types: `Aedes`, `Culex` and `Anopheles`. These types of mosquitoes are also found in Sri Lanka.
Most of the time, a mosquito bite doesn't cause much harm. It just causes a little discomfort and itching for a while. However, mosquitoes are dangerous because they transmit diseases that can be fatal.
How do mosquitoes breed? Where?
Do you remember when you were a kid, in school health classes, they said that mosquitoes breed in standing water? That's true. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in shallow, stagnant water. For example:
- Swamps
- Ponds
- Tanks
- Baby pools
- Water collecting inside old tires
- Birdbaths
- Coconut shells, empty cans, plastic containers, and flower pots around our homes are places where water collects.
Places like these are the places where mosquitoes are bred.
Why do mosquitoes suck our blood?
This is a very simple reason. Female mosquitoes suck blood to support their reproductive process, which is to obtain the protein they need to lay their eggs. While male mosquitoes live off nectar alone, female mosquitoes feed on both nectar and blood. The protein in the blood is essential for the development of their eggs.
What really happens when a mosquito bites?
Mosquitoes have a long, needle-like snout called a proboscis. When a mosquito bites you, it pierces your skin with this snout and injects its saliva into your bloodstream as it sucks blood.
Why does a mosquito itch so much when it bites?
That's the problem. When a mosquito injects its saliva into your bloodstream, your body recognizes that saliva as an allergen. Your immune system then sends a chemical called histamine to the site of the bite to get rid of the allergen. That histamine is what causes the area to itch and swell. Many people have this reaction when they get bitten by a mosquito.
Can you get sick from biting mosquitoes? What are they?
Yes, unfortunately, mosquitoes do spread diseases. Mosquitoes are vectors . That is, they are creatures that carry diseases between animals and humans. These vectors often spread diseases through bloodsucking. Apart from mosquitoes, animals like fleas and ticks also belong to this category of vectors.
When a mosquito sucks blood, it not only sucks blood, but also injects its saliva. Then, fluids are exchanged between the mosquito and our bloodstream. Imagine, if a mosquito that has sucked blood from a sick person or animal (that is, an infected mosquito) comes and bites a healthy person, that disease can be transmitted to the other person.
Mosquitoes often suck blood using a method called "sip feeding." This means that they suck blood from several places and from several people, rather than sucking all the blood they need at once. This increases the risk of spreading disease to more people.
There are several major diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in our country and other countries around the world:
Dengue
This is a disease that we have all heard of and fear. Dengue is spread by the Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include fever, body aches, headaches, and nausea. Sometimes, it can even be fatal.
Chikungunya
This is also transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and body aches.
Malaria
A disease that was once widespread in Sri Lanka, it is now largely under control. It is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting. Malaria can also be fatal.
Zika Virus
This is also a virus transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. If a pregnant mother is infected with this virus, the baby in the womb can be affected. Also, this virus can be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact.
Other diseases
In addition to this, diseases like ``West Nile virus`` and ``Yellow fever`` can also be transmitted by mosquitoes. However, they are not very common in our country.
Who gets bitten the most by mosquitoes? Are you one of them?
Mosquitoes can bite anyone, but there are some factors that make them more attractive. See if these apply to you:
- Wearing dark-colored clothing: Mosquitoes are more attracted to colors like black and dark blue.
- Use of perfume: Some perfumes can attract mosquitoes.
- Blood type: People with certain blood types are said to be more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
- Body temperature: Mosquitoes are more attracted to people with higher body temperatures.
- Traveling to areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent.
- Spending time near stagnant water.
What does it look like when a mosquito bites? What are the symptoms?
After a female mosquito bites you, a small, raised blister forms on your skin. This blister may change color. Sometimes you can see a small black dot in the middle. That dot is where the mosquito bit you.
Common symptoms:
- Itching and discomfort.
- A round, raised blister appears at the site of the mosquito bite.
More severe symptoms (these are the ones to watch out for):
- Allergic reaction: Skin rashes (hives), swelling of the throat, dizziness, and nausea.
- Symptoms of a mosquito-borne illness: fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes, nausea, red eyes, and fatigue, can vary depending on the illness.
How do you reduce the itching after a mosquito bite? Are there things you can do at home?
Most importantly: Do not scratch the bite! Scratching can break the skin, introduce germs, and cause infection. If you accidentally break the skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and keep it clean. Apply a bandage if necessary.
The itching from a mosquito bite will subside in a few days, but it can be difficult to tolerate until then. There are medications you can buy at the pharmacy to reduce the itching, as well as treatments you can do at home.
Important: While home remedies are safe for most people, it's best to check with a doctor before using certain products, as some may cause allergic reactions on your skin.
Medicines that can be taken according to medical advice
- Antihistamines: These can be taken as pills or applied as creams or ointments. They reduce the action of histamine, which is what causes mosquitoes to itch.
- Hydrocortisone cream: This also reduces itching and swelling. You can apply it directly to the mosquito bite.
Treatments you can try at home
- Ice: Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and place them on the bite for about 10 minutes. This will reduce swelling, pain, and itching.
- Aloe vera: Take a small amount of aloe vera and apply it to the mosquito bite. The salicylic acid in aloe vera helps relieve itching and pain.
- Chamomile tea: Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for about 20 minutes. When the water turns a nice brown color, take the tea bag, squeeze out the excess water, and press it against the mosquito bite for about 10 minutes. Then wipe it off with a clean cloth. You can also store this tea bag in the fridge and use it throughout the day.
- Honey: Apply a little pure honey to the bite. The properties of honey help reduce itching and pain. You can also put a bandage on top to prevent it from sticking.
- Oatmeal: Grind some oats in a blender until fine powder (`colloidal oatmeal`). Add some hot water to it to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to the mosquito bite, leave it for about 10 minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.
How to protect yourself from mosquitoes? What are the prevention methods?
There are several ways to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. It is very important to follow these, especially during times when diseases like dengue are common.
- Eliminate water collection points: Regularly clean water collection points around the house, such as coconut shells, tires, empty cans, and flower pots. Be aware of any areas where water can collect.
- Avoid unnecessary travel to areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent.
- Use of bug spray: Use a government-approved bug spray containing DEET.
- Wear thick, long clothing: Mosquitoes can bite through even thin clothing. So wear thick, covering clothing as much as possible.
- Installing screens on windows and doors.
- Staying indoors during times when mosquitoes are most active (in the evening and early morning).
- Applying mosquito repellent chemicals to clothing, tents, and net covers.
- Sleeping under a protective mosquito net.
You should be especially careful if you are traveling to areas where the Zika virus is prevalent, especially during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is infected with the Zika virus, it can affect the baby in the womb. Also, since this virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact, you and your partner should protect yourself if you have traveled to an area where the Zika virus is prevalent.
Was this eaten by a mosquito? Or was it another animal?
Sometimes there may be spots that look like a mosquito bite, but are caused by a different insect bite.
Bed Bugs and Mosquitoes
Bed bugs also suck our blood and inject their saliva into our bloodstream. Bed bug bites can look similar to mosquito bites. However , bed bug bites often have spots that are either in a straight line or in a zigzag pattern. Bed bugs are active at night. They bite on exposed skin (face, arms, legs) while you sleep.
Fleas and mosquitoes
Fleas also suck blood and inject saliva. Flea bites can look like mosquito bites or bed bugs. However, because fleas move around, their bites may be random, not in one place. If you have outdoor animals like dogs and cats in your home, you are more likely to be bothered by fleas.
If you have been suffering from these types of insect bites for a long time, see a doctor to identify what type of bite it is and seek advice.
Do I need to see a doctor? When?
Usually, a mosquito bite does not require medical attention. However, you should definitely see a doctor in the following cases:
- If you have a severe allergic reaction after a mosquito bite (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting).
- If you develop symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease (such as fever, severe headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea) after being bitten by a mosquito.
- If you have recently traveled to an area where mosquito-borne diseases are common and are experiencing symptoms.
- If the mosquito bite has been there for more than a few days, is getting bigger, or is showing signs of allergy.
Take-Home Message
- Mosquitoes are female blood-sucking insects that can transmit diseases.
- They breed in stagnant water, so it's very important to keep the environment clean.
- When a mosquito bites, it itches because of the `histamine` reaction in our body. Don't itch!
- To reduce itching, you can use home remedies such as ice and aloe vera. If necessary, you can take medication such as an antihistamine under medical advice.
- Use mosquito nets, repellents, and clothing that covers the body to protect against mosquitoes.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever and body aches, especially during dengue season, be sure to seek medical advice.
Mosquitoes are a nuisance. However, if we are aware and take the necessary steps, we can largely avoid this nuisance.
` Mosquitoes, mosquito bites, mosquito-borne diseases, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, itching, mosquito control, mosquito repellent
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