Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and dangerous insects that can not only cause you itchy bites, but can also make you really sick. Mosquito bites are the piercing of mosquitoes through their tube like mouthparts that can suck blood from the host body.
Belonging to the Culicidae family, these small insects have a very short lifespan – the males live for about a week and the females for about a few months. However, they can, indeed causes diseases that are really dangerous and harmful for the health.
About Mosquito Bites
The male mosquitoes do not bite, but the females do. The female mosquitoes suck out blood from the host’s body, so that the protein from the blood can help them in reproduction. When they suck the blood, they transfer a little amount of saliva inside the body of the host. This saliva causes the allergic reaction to the bite and thus, the reddish, itchy bumps are formed. The usual symptoms of mosquito bites include –
- Soreness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding.
Good Reasons to Avoid Mosquitoes and their Bites
Though, in most cases, the mosquito bites are harmless and the itchy bumps subside within a few hours to days; however, sometimes these can be a real problem or nuisance. Through these bites, parasitic or viral diseases can be transmitted. The most common diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites are mentioned below.
In order to stay away from the possibility of suffering from these diseases, you need to avoid mosquitoes and their bites.
- Zika Disease: The most common disease that is spread through mosquito bites is Zika disease. Though the symptoms of this disease can be very mild, including fever, joint pain, rash, red eyes or conjunctivitis; what makes this disease really dangerous is its effect on pregnant women. The baby in the mother’s womb might be harmed by this disease with permanent damage caused to the brain and the baby can be born with microcephaly, a disease of the brain in which the brain size is too small and is not properly developed. The fever and other symptoms for other people may last for several days.
- Dengue: Amongst the many deadly diseases that are spread by mosquitoes, the most prominent one is dengue. Caused by dengue virus 1, 2, 3, or 4, this virus can affect a person for up to 4 times and can lead to death. Though this can occur with no prominent or significant symptoms, there are still symptoms that can impact the sufferers and these include –
Since this disease has no vaccine available and as severity of dengue can even be fatal, it is always a good idea to avoid mosquitoes, in order to avoid this disease. When dengue becomes severe, it can lead to haemorrhagic fever, in which the small blood vessels leak and start building fluids in belly and lungs. It can also lead to severe internal bleeding resulting in death.
- Malaria: Though there are countries that encounter very rare malaria cases, there are also countries that are at a high risk of malaria. Fever, chills, headache and vomiting are common signs of malaria. Fortunately, this is a highly curable condition.
- West Nile: Another very complicated disease that is spread through mosquitoes is West Nile disease. What makes this disease even more difficult to identify is that it doesn’t have any specific sign or symptom. However, in some cases, encephalitis or meningitis are some brain infections that are associated with this disease. Otherwise, fever, rashes, diarrhea, joint pain or vomiting are the usual and common signs.
- Yellow Fever: As the name suggests, this mosquito spread fever causes yellowness of the eyes and skin, which is commonly recognised as jaundice. Backache, headache, fever, vomiting and chills are common symptoms. When the condition worsens, it can lead to failure of kidneys and liver and one can even start to bleed. In such a case, the condition can be fatal.
- Chikungunya: Referring to a stooped appearance that the disease leads to, Chikungunya has signs and symptoms such as fever, fatigue, rash, nausea or headache. There is no such cure to this disease and it can last for several weeks. Sometimes the symptoms last even for a year. However, with rest and care, the sufferer can recover from this disease.
- Rift Valley Fever: Yet another disease due to mosquito bite in which weakness and dizziness are the common signs. In some cases, the sufferers also get eye damage from this disease.
- Jamestown Canyon Virus: When you get this disease from mosquito bites, the usual signs and symptoms will be that of flu like headache and fever. However, if the condition worsens, the patient is usually found to be suffering from brain inflammation.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
Since mosquito bites can cause multiple diseases, it is always a wise decision to prevent the mosquitoes from biting. Here are some simple ways to stay away from them.
- Remove Ideal Mosquito Habitats: Mosquitoes find their habitats in the still and stagnant waters. Hence, it is very important that the mosquito habitats are cleaned and removed. These include rain water gutters, birdbaths, ponds or pools or even storm drains.
- Use Bug Repellents: Bug spray or mosquito repellents can be applied on the skin, so that the mosquitoes do not sit on the skin.
- Use Mosquito Nets: If you live in an area, where mosquitoes are commonly found, you must use a mosquito net. You can also carry this, while you are travelling. You can also use mosquito screens on the windows or doors, so that they do not get to enter the rooms or house. Mosquito nets are especially useful, when you are sleeping outdoors.
- Do Not Wear Dark Clothes: Dark clothes attract more bugs and mosquitoes. Hence, if you are going out, wear light coloured clothes. In fact, do not go outside, if you do not need much, especially at the time of dusk.
With these methods, you will be able to avoid mosquitoes. In case you suffer from a disease, see a doctor as soon as possible, so that fast diagnosis is possible and treatment is given.
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