Mosquito Bites: Causes, Diseases, and Prevention Tips

Mosquitoes are tiny insects that are part of the fly family. They are commonly found during the monsoon and winter seasons. Mosquitoes live in various places like marshes, forests, tall grass, clogged rain gutters, pools, ponds, and areas with still water. They are attracted to stagnant water because it's a convenient place for them to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes start their lives in water and stay there until they become adults.

 

Mosquitoes have a long, needle-like mouthpart called a proboscis. This helps them pierce the skin and suck blood from animals and people. Adult mosquitoes usually live for 2-4 weeks, but it depends on the type of mosquito. Mosquitoes die when the temperature goes below 50 degrees.

 

Mosquitoes feed on plant sap, nectar, honeydew, and blood for nourishment. Male mosquitoes usually feed on nectar and honeydew, whereas female mosquitoes suck blood. Female mosquitoes need to consume blood to lay eggs because the essential protein for egg development is only found in the blood meal.

 

Why does a mosquito bite?

Mosquitoes typically bite to extract blood from animals and humans, using their mouthpart, known as a proboscis, to pierce the skin. The biting process involves the injection of saliva, which can lead to irritation and itching in the affected area.

 

Mosquitoes bite primarily for nourishment, and as mentioned earlier, only female mosquitoes engage in bloodsucking to acquire the necessary protein for egg production. The likelihood of a mosquito biting a person is influenced by factors such as body temperature, sweat, body odor, and light.

 

Mosquitoes choose their target depending on the following factors:

• Scent of carbon dioxide
• Body odor
• Colors and
• Heat and water vapor.

 

Both humans and animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes, however, respond uniquely to carbon dioxide. A study titled "Detection and perception of generic host volatiles by mosquitoes: responses to CO2 constrain host-seeking behavior," published in "Royal Society Open Science," reveals that mosquito species exhibit varied reactions to carbon dioxide levels.

 

The study also notes that elevated carbon dioxide levels can serve as an alert, attracting mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are drawn to specific smells emitted by humans or animals. Common compounds like ammonia and lactic acid are known to attract mosquitoes, but ongoing research seeks to understand the precise reasons behind this attraction.

 

Our bodies produce heat and water vapor, which influence mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are drawn to heat sources and specific temperatures. These factors are crucial for mosquitoes in choosing a host. Moreover, mosquitoes learn to prefer certain hosts by sensing cues like body odor and temperature, ensuring a satisfying blood meal.

 

Why does a mosquito bite cause itching?

When a mosquito bites, it injects its saliva and sucks the blood. The saliva of the mosquito contains proteins that can be allergic to most people, which can lead to itching. As a result, our immune system reacts to it, leading to red bumps, itchiness, and skin irritation.

 

Diseases that can be caused by mosquito bites

Mosquitoes can harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These harmful microorganisms can be transmitted when they bite, potentially causing life-threatening infections.

 

Mosquitoes are recognized as the carriers of the following diseases.

 

• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Yellow fever
• West Nile virus

 

Malaria

Malaria is primarily transmitted through an infected Anopheles mosquito. An infected mosquito carries the Plasmodium parasite, and when the mosquito bites, the parasite enters the bloodstream and causes infection.

 

When the parasite enters the body, it travels to the liver, and the maturation of the parasite occurs. After maturation, the parasite again enters the bloodstream and starts infecting the red blood cells.

 

The parasite multiplies within 48 to 72 hours inside the red blood cells, which causes the infected cells to burst. Malarial infection is common in tropical and subtropical climates where the parasites can survive. Some of the common symptoms of malaria include

 

• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Body pain
• Vomiting and
• Diarrhea

 

Dengue fever

Dengue spreads when Aedes aegypti mosquito bites and injects the virus into the bloodstream. The symptoms of dengue are similar to flu. Some of the common symptoms of dengue include

 

• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Headache
• Diarrhea and
• Fatigue

 

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is transmitted through the infected mosquito bites. World Health Organization (WHO) states that yellow fever has the ability to become epidemic. The mosquitoes usually breed in wild and domestic atmospheres like forests and houses.

 

In most cases, people will not experience any symptoms. However, some of the common symptoms include

 

• Muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Back pain
• Fever

 

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person and passes the virus. World Health Organization (WHO) states that it can cause fatal neurological diseases in humans. The viral infection is common in Europe, Africa, and West Asia.

 

The common symptoms of West Nile Virus include

 

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fever
• Body ache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin rash and
• Swollen lump nodes.

 

How to shield yourself from mosquito bites?

Mosquitoes can transmit dangerous pathogens that may be fatal to humans. Here are some tips to avoid mosquito bites.

 

• Use insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin.
• Opt for light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are less attracted to it.
• Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito times—dawn and dusk.
• Remove standing water from areas like gutters to eliminate mosquito breeding spots.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home by using screens on doors and windows.

 

Conclusion

Mosquito bites are itchy and are commonly found in tropical regions. In most cases, mosquito bites are harmless. However, an infected mosquito can transmit pathogens, which can be fatal. Mosquito bites can cause itching and red bumps. The itching and red bumps will reduce after some time. If the itching spreads it is advised to contact your healthcare provider.

 

Shriram General Insurance provides exclusive coverage for vector-borne diseases. The product called Shri Vector Care provides coverage for medical costs arising from hospitalization due to vector-borne diseases.

 

FAQs

1. What is Shri Vector Care Insurance?

The Shri Vector Care policy is a health insurance plan specifically created to cover the increasing medical expenses incurred during hospitalization due to vector-borne diseases.

 

2. What is Shri Hospital Daily Cash Benefit Insurance?

Shri Hospital Daily Cash Benefit Insurance offers policyholders a daily cash benefit during their hospital stay. This benefit begins after the first 24 hours of admission, provided that the policy does not exclude the reason for hospitalization.

 

3. What is Shri Criti Care Insurance?

Shriram Criti Care Insurance provides coverage for expensive medical care upon diagnosis of critical illness.