Do Mosquitoes Have Poison?
WouterDespite what many people may think, mosquitoes do not have venom. Rather, they live in water and feed on blood. These blood-eating parasites are responsible for transmitting diseases to humans and other animals. In fact, they kill millions of people each year.
These parasites are also known to infect the human brain and bone marrow cells. This can result in thrombocytopenia, bone loss, and leukopenia.
To prevent this, you should wear long-sleeved clothes and pants and keep vegetation near your home trimmed. You should also install screens on windows and use insect repellent.
In addition to spreading disease to humans and other animals, mosquitoes can carry pathogens in their saliva. Mosquitoes can also detect chemicals in your body such as carbon dioxide exhaled by your host from a distance. This enables them to pick up the virus and transmit it to you.
Some viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes cause encephalitis. Some examples of the types of viruses that cause encephalitis are West Nile, LaCrosse, and Eastern equine encephalitis. You may be able to protect yourself from some of these infections by taking oral medications, but you should check with your doctor before doing so.
You may have an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. A few people have extremely severe reactions to it. If you are experiencing severe itching, you should avoid scratching your welts or irritated skin. Instead, try applying an antibiotic ointment to the affected area. It is important to apply the ointment regularly until it heals.
