Anopheles Mosquito bites

Skin | Emergency Medicine | Anopheles Mosquito bites (Disease)


Description

Anopheles is a genus of mosquito. There are known approximately 460 species. From this number over 100 can transmit human malaria and only 30–40 commonly transmit. Mosquitoes can carry many types of diseases that are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses. These diseases include: Malaria, Yellow fever, Encephalitis, Dengue Fever.

Causes and Risk factors

Plasmodium parasites are the genus which cause malaria in humans in endemic areas. Only female mosquitoes bite. They are attracted by several things, including heat (infrared light), light, perspiration, body odor, lactic acid and carbon dioxide. After she has bitten you, some saliva remains in the wound. The proteins from the saliva evoke an immune response from your body. The area swells (the bump around the bite area is called a wheal), and you itch, a response provoked by the saliva. Eventually, the swelling goes away, but the itch remains until your immune cells break down the saliva proteins.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To treat mosquito bites, you should wash them with mild soap and water. Try to avoid scratching the bite area, even though it itches. Some anti-itch medicines such as Calamine lotion or cortisone creams may relieve the itching. Typically, you do not need to seek medical attention (unless you feel dizzy or nauseated, which may indicate a severe allergic reaction to the bite). ...