Expert-backed tips to avoid mosquito bites… as deadly conditions carried by insects surge

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Mosquito-borne diseases have surged to record levels this year.

Cases of West Nile Virus, a disease that can cause paralysis, were up 40 percent compared to normal this year, with about 770 infections recorded, most of these being a severe illness where the virus has invaded the brain.

In Florida, local transmission of dengue fever, which can cause major internal bleeds, was recorded for the second year in a row.

And internationally, experts raised the alarm over a chikungunya virus outbreak in China that had led to Covid-era restrictions. The CDC issued a travel warning to the country in a bid to keep the virus from reaching the US.

There were also more warnings over malaria returning to the US, which kills up to 30 percent of untreated patients, after cases ticked up in South America.

Experts told Daily Mail they were increasingly worried about mosquito-borne diseases advancing into the US.

Dr Sharon Nachman, chief pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, told this website: ‘Mosquito-borne diseases have spread in distance from down South, and we are seeing the mosquito pool slowly moving up the East Coast of the country.

‘This is of concern, as they do transmit infections, and if they transmit infections to people in these locations, people need to be aware of the diseases and how to get treated for them.’

And Dr Louisa Messenger, an environment and global health expert in Nevada, warned that her state had considered ramping up mosquito control efforts this year amid an explosion in its population of the biting insects.

Almost everyone gets bitten by mosquitoes, with experts saying it is likely that more than a hundred million bites take place in the US every year.

Many of these bites only result in a raised red bump for a few days, which may be itchy or become inflamed.

But in a number of cases the mosquito has transferred an infectious disease to the individual that can quickly trigger symptoms.

Dr Nachman added: ‘If a child has had a recent mosquito bite and their behavior has changed or they have a rash, those are the sorts of things that their physician should look at.’

To avoid mosquito bites and the potential danger the pose, Daily Mail has rounded up expert-backed tips to keep you safe.  

REPELLENT 

There are dozens of brands of mosquito repellent available in the US that can be sprayed onto the skin to ward off a mosquito.

But Dr Nachman said she advises her patients to use ones that contain DEET, an active ingredient that can prevent bites from both ticks and mosquitoes.

For children, she recommended applying it to their clothes as opposed to their skin, saying this avoids it accidentally coming off during play or if children get wet.

For adults, she said the spray should be applied to any exposed areas of skin that could be vulnerable to a bite such as the neck, face, arms, legs and ankles. It is recommended to reapply the repellent every few hours.

Dr Messenger said using DEET, picardin or IR3535-laced sprays could effectively ward off mosquitoes.

The repellents work by obscuring the natural odor of the human body, that attracts mosquitoes, or repelling them on contact with the skin. 

Mosquitoes have taste receptors in their feet, which are repelled by substances like DEET.

Experts recommended applying the sprays at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active outdoors.

Dr Messenger added: ‘I am often asked whether it is essential to use the chemicals because people don’t like the fact they are sticky, stay on clothing, and they don’t always want to put a harsh chemical on their body.

‘But studies show that these chemicals are safe for human use and work. While there is some evidence that eating cinnamon, garlic or lavender rosemary may work, I can’t recommend these because they are not EPA-approved.’ 

Another repellent to prevent mosquito bites are burning coils, which contain chemicals like pyrethrins. These are released into the air to repel mosquitoes. 

Overall, experts said the best way to avoid bites without using repellent is wearing long-sleeved clothing that covers the arms and legs, a common target for mosquitoes. 

ZAPPERS AND TRAPPERS

Many people love to take a few moments outdoors to have dinner or read a book at dusk, which is also a peak time for mosquito activity.

Zappers can help, though. They use ultraviolet light to attract mosquitoes before killing them with an electric shock.

Traps may also be an option, which use human-like pheromones to attract mosquitoes before ensnaring them before they can land on a human and bite them.

These should be placed under bushes or near water sources, experts say, while zappers can be placed near where people gather. 

Dr Messenger said: ‘These can be effective, but it does depend on your local mosquito population.

‘These traps will catch a few of the mosquitoes, but won’t get everything, so it is likely you will still have some mosquitoes on your patio.’

TOPICAL PRODUCTS

For some people, dousing themselves in mosquito-repellent spray can feel arduous or even uncomfortable.

In these cases, manufacturers have come up with alternative ways to apply mosquito repellent to the skin, including via a lotion or using mosquito repellent wipes.

They recommend applying these products to the same exposed areas of skin as spray-on repellent to ward off mosquitoes.

Dr Nachman said it was not clear how long these products would be effective, saying they could leave someone needing to continuously reapply.

‘This all sounds well and good,’ she said, ‘but while it will work for a short time, whether it will work for longer is doubtful’.

Dr Messenger said: ‘Over-the-counter lotions and wipes can be effective, and applying mosquito repellent to your skin is one of the best things you can do to avoid being bitten.’

HOME CARE

There are also many steps people can take at home to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and their risk of being bitten.

At the top of Dr Nachman’s list was emptying any containers near the home that contain stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

‘Stagnant water is a wonderful place for mosquitoes to bloom,’ she said, ‘if you have any, dump it out, it will reduce the mosquito population.’

Studies suggest that mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of water, such as the equivalent to a bottlecap or tablespoon.

Other suggestions include having net screens on the door or windows that are often open in the dusk or early morning to stop a mosquito from entering the home.

Experts also say turning on the air conditioning in the evening can help, saying that the dry and cooler air causes any mosquitoes already in the house to become much less active.