Ask the Experts: "Will mosquito bites make me sick?"
 Gary Schillhammer, MD Family Practice CV Darrington Clinic |
Q: With the mild winter we have had, if I live in an area where there are lots of mosquitoes and a mosquito bites me am I likely to get sick?--E.R., Darrington
A: No. Even in areas where the West Nile virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. Even if the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bit are extremely small.
That being said, it is important to be aware that the principle route of human infection with West Nile virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. The virus eventually finds its way into the mosquito's salivary glands. During subsequent blood meals, the virus may be injected into humans and animals, where it can multiply and possibly cause illness by crossing the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain. The virus then interferes with normal central nervous system functioning and causes inflammation of brain tissue.
To protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play by draining sources of standing water.
- Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
- Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
- When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
- Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
- Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET sparingly to exposed skin.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.