10 facts about mosquito bites that everyone should really know

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:54 pm

Everyone hates getting mosquito bites, especially when you have super sensitive skin like me. What might just be a normal bite to some people could result in a pus-filled ugliness that’s just too unsightly to behold.

And now we have a new strain of dengue and the zika virus which is also spread by mosquitoes. Oh God help us, our world is coming to an end.

Allow me to list down 10 facts about mosquito bites that you should take note of for yours and your loved ones’ health.

Mosquito bites are actually poisonous
That’s part of the reason why your skin rises into a bump when you get bitten. Too many bites all over your body can cause you to come down with a fever that can last for days or weeks. Mosquito bites aren’t always dangerous but they really should be avoided as much as possible.

They spread diseases through blood
Other than dengue, other diseases such as Malaria are also widespread, especially in forested areas.

Only the females bite
And you wonder why your girlfriend or wife is so fierce. The females of many insect species are deadlier than their male counterparts and will attack rather than wait to be attacked. Only the female mosquitoes bite and cause us bodily discomfort.

Mosquitoes get attracted to Carbon Dioxide
Woe is us as we breathe out CO2. That’s possibly one of the reasons why we stand a higher chance of getting bitten after exercising. Or the poor guys in NS who has to deal with so many mosquitoes outfield.

Why some people suffer worse itches
This is due to the increased release of histamine in some people to fight the mosquito’s saliva when it is being released into our blood stream.

Scratching makes it worse
Your mother always told you not to scratch your bites right? That’s not without reason. Scratching causes the skin to break and leave room for an infection. Nasty.

That damn Zika virus
This virus can kill. Symptoms include fever, rashes, joint pain or conjunctivitis, very similar to dengue. Those who are infected can infect others through actions like kissing and intercourse. There is no known cure for Zika virus at this point in time but for those who have gotten infected and lived to tell the tale, you can be sure you won’t be infected again.

A new Type 4 dengue strain has emerged
As if mosquitoes aren’t already causing enough pain and discomfort, a Type 4 strain of dengue has been discovered in Delhi, India some time late last year. Symptoms include a drop in platelets and hemorrhagic fever. What a time to be alive.

Mosquitoes prefer cooler spots
So the best time to avoid getting bitten by them would be in the afternoons when it is blazing. I can’t guarantee you won’t get burnt though.

We should all do the Mozzie Wipeout
Each and everyone of us has to do our part, especially in such a densely populated area like Singapore. Heard of the mozzie wipeout? Do it now.

Top Image: PlotPhoto / Shutterstock.com