How Common Are Mosquito Bite Symptoms?
WouterDespite their tiny size, mosquitoes can spread many serious diseases. They are vectors for malaria, yellow fever, and West Nile Virus. They are also known for causing anaphylaxis. The symptoms of a mosquito bite include itchy red bumps and swelling.
Some people have a mild reaction to bites. However, others develop a more severe allergic reaction. If your bites cause soreness or itchiness, try applying over-the-counter antihistamine creams. If the symptoms do not improve, contact your healthcare provider.
When a female mosquito bites you, she injects saliva into your skin. This saliva has proteins that are similar to anesthetics. These proteins trigger your immune system to attack the mosquito, causing an itch. The itching can last for 3 to 4 days.
Some people may have a large, red welt around the area of the bite. Others have small, red bumps. The welt or itchy bump is the body’s response to the foreign protein from the mosquito.
Most people have a mild, self-limiting reaction to bites. A severe reaction can be very painful. It can interfere with your ability to sleep, eat, and move. The symptoms vary in severity and can last from a few days to several weeks.
If you are bitten by a mosquito and experience itching, consider using an over-the-counter antihistamine ointment. The product should be applied according to the directions on the package. If you have severe itching, your physician might recommend a prescription treatment.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 2,000 cases of malaria occur each year in the United States. Most cases occur in travelers to malaria-endemic areas. The most common sites are tropical islands in the Pacific and Africa.
