Who is Most Likely to Get Bit by Mosquitoes?
Almost 85 percent of the factors that affect whether a person gets bitten by a mosquito are genetic. It’s important to understand what these factors are because they can help you reduce your risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. The best way to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito is to take precautions.
Mosquitoes use their vision and smell to find humans. They are attracted to some people more than others. The type of blood you have is a major factor in whether you’ll get bitten by a mosquito. People with blood group A are less likely to get bitten than people with blood group B.
People with blood group O are less likely to get malaria than people with other blood types. Having a higher body temperature is a factor as well. People who run hot are more attracted to mosquitoes.
The blood types that mosquitoes are attracted to are determined by the presence of certain proteins in the red blood cells. These proteins are called antigens. These antigens are also found in the saliva. They trigger an immune system response, causing an itchy reaction.
People with larger bodies are also more attractive to mosquitoes. This is because they exhale more carbon dioxide than others. The maxillary palp can detect carbon dioxide from as far as 164 feet.
Pregnant women are also more attractive to mosquitoes. They have double the amount of mosquito attractants than non-pregnant women. They also have higher body temperatures than non-pregnant women.