Surviving the Mosquito Season

The Prevention and Treatment of Mosquitoes Infestation

Aug 23, 2009 Nelson Acquilano

When the heat of summer mixes with the rains and humidity one thing is certain, the mosquito season will be in force. And man is the featured menu sought by the swarms.

The mosquito is well known to all children and adults who enjoy summer picnics, outside sports, and those wishing to break the monotonous cabin fever of winter by just enjoying the great outdoors. According to “Are You a Mosquito Magnet”, (Elizabeth Heubeck, WebMd, July 23, 2009) mosquitoes have been around for 170 million years, and there are more than 175 known species in the U.S.

Do Not Scratch Mosquito Bites

Of course the primary problem with mosquitoes is that irritating itch that survives many days after that original bite. It is one of those mysteries of the universe: the more one scratches for relief of the itch, the stronger the itch grows. Parents often scold children: “do not scratch it will only make things worse”, as the adults themselves scratch almost to the point of insanity. It is important to refrain from scratching because this does increase the itch, and may cause the skin to break down and an infection to form.

Mosquito Infestation Illnesses and Diseases

But a mosquito bite can be much more severe than an itch to struggle with. Many people may have allergic reactions - even severe reactions. Some report a blistering rash that looks like a burn, and others report swelling to hard lumps that may last up to a month. There are also numerous illnesses and diseases caused by mosquitoes. Everyone has heard of malaria, the most well known of mosquito borne diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), although malaria has been eradicated from the United States since the early 1950s, outbreaks of locally transmitted malaria still occur occasionally. Residents become infected through the bite of local Anopheles mosquitoes, which acquired malaria parasites by feeding on infected persons arriving from malaria-risk areas. Between 1957 and 2003, 63 episodes of locally transmitted, mosquito-borne malaria occurred in the United States. Worldwide, as many as one million per year continue to die from malaria. The West Nile virus is another major concern. It made its first appearance in the U.S. in 1999. By 2008 it had grown substantially. The CDC reported 1,356 cases of West Nile throughout the U.S. and 44 deaths.

Treating Mosquito Bites

Web MD also advises ways to avoid these problems (“Avoid Mosquito Bites and West Nile Virus”, reviewed by Jonathan L. Gelfand, MD, July 30, 2008.) First of course, they recommend emergency first aid if necessary. Even with mosquito bites, they recommend calling 911 immediately if one is having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if one thinks it may be a medical emergency. In general though, recommended treatment may include the simple application of ice to relieve itching. Be sure to clean the area with soap and water to remove contaminated particles left behind by the mosquitoes. One may treat the itching at the site of the bite with an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in cream or pill form, or by applying Calamine lotion which also helps relieve the itching.

Prevention is the Best Policy

It is recommended first and foremost to avoid mosquito bites. Although the chance that a single person becomes ill is low, the chance for severe illness or even death is higher for people over age 50. So it is recommended to try to avoid situations where mosquitoes may swarm. As the peak hours for mosquito biting times are from dusk to dawn, one may wish to rethink their outdoor activities during these times or prepare accordingly. Next, use insect repellents such as those containing DEET (look for: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), or picaridin, or oil of eucalyptus which were both approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2005 for use in sprays and lotions.

Finally, wear proper clothing including long sleeves and pants that can give added protection. It is also recommended to try to “mosquito proof” your home both by draining standing water or pools of water where mosquitoes lay their eggs and breed and by installing and/or repairing window screens to keep them outside the home. Finally, it is recommended to help the community fight mosquitoes by cleaning up the neighborhood - especially to control breeding sites and to check with authorities to see if there are organized mosquito control programs in your area.

The copyright of the article Surviving the Mosquito Season in General Medicine is owned by Nelson Acquilano. Permission to republish Surviving the Mosquito Season in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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