Latest news with #mosquitoBites
CBC
a day ago
- Health
- CBC
Mosquitos in Toronto test positive for West Nile virus, but city says risk of infection is low
Toronto Public Health has confirmed some mosquitos in the city have tested positive for West Nile virus, but say the risk of infection is low if precautions are taken. The findings mark the first positive cases this year after results came back on three batches of mosquitos collected in the city, the public health agency said in a news release on Friday. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from the bites of infected mosquitos. Symptoms can take two to 14 days to develop and include fever, headache, nausea, skin rash and body aches. People over the age of 50 or with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of severe illness, said TPH. TPH says residents should take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as: Wear long, light-coloured clothing. Use Health Canada-approved insect repellent. Be cautious at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Eliminate pools of water on your property, such as in planters, pool covers and waste containers. TPH says it collects mosquitos in 22 traps across the city and tests them every week. The city conducts annual mosquito surveillance from mid-June until mid-September.
CBC
3 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Dead crow found in Guelph tests positive for West Nile virus
A dead crow found in Guelph has tested positive for the West Nile virus. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said Wednesday there are currently no human cases, but the presence of the virus in the crow shows it's circulating and transmission is possible. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. "While the risk of severe illness is low, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites," associate medical officer Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum said in a release. Public health says the most effective way to avoid the virus is to reduce the risk of getting mosquito bites. People can do that by: Wearing light-coloured clothing (including long sleeves and pants). Using an approved mosquito repellant. Repairing holes in screen doors and windows. Reducing breeding places for mosquitos by removing standing water from properties including draining potential reservoirs like flowerpots and kids' pools and by frequently replacing water in bird baths and other water features. Public Health Ontario says on its website that most people infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms. Others may experience a fever, head and body aches, fatigue, rash or in more serious cases, meningitis (swelling of brain and/or spinal cord) or encephalitis (brain swelling).
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Extra itchy, swollen mosquito bites? You could have Skeeter syndrome
*Attached video: West Nile virus confirmed in local mosquitoes ahead of Fourth of July holiday (WJW) – Most people experience mild discomfort and itchiness when bitten by a mosquito, but if you have an extreme reaction, you may have what is called 'Skeeter syndrome.' An article from University Hospitals explains that those with Skeeter syndrome have strong allergic reactions to mosquito bites. These reactions include swelling, redness and intense itchiness that can 'persist for days or longer.' Local police search for 'armed and dangerous' shooting suspect with swastika tattoo According to a pediatric allergy and immunology specialist at University Hospitals, Dr. Eli Silver, Skeeter syndrome occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to mosquito bites. He says it is most common in children because of their young immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to strong mosquito bite reactions. 'In people with Skeeter syndrome, the immune system interprets the proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic response that can range from mild to extreme,' Dr. Silver said in the article. 'Chemicals like histamines are immediately released to attack the protein, causing swelling, redness and intense itchiness. Instead of a small red bump that fades in a day or two, the bite becomes a large, swollen, intensely itchy area that may feel hot and painful. Rarely, it can cause blisters or bruising if the irritation is not treated properly or if it becomes infected due to persistent scratching.' To ease the symptoms of Skeeter syndrome, Dr. Silver recommends the following measures: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and itching. Use topical creams like hydrocortisone. Try to avoid scratching. If approved by your doctor, over-the-counter antihistamines can help manage symptoms If pain persists, swelling continues to spread for more than two days or you experience other signs of infection, Dr. Silver says you should consult a doctor. Tornado confirmed in Medina County on Monday According to UH, although there is no guaranteed wat to stop Skeeter syndrome, avoiding getting bitten at all is the best preventative. To prevent mosquito bites and worsening symptoms, Dr. Silver recommends: Use insect repellent with DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outside. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks in mosquito-heavy areas, especially at dawn/dusk. Get rid of standing water around your home. Clogged gutters and birdbaths are common problem spots. Sleep under a mosquito net when camping. Keep a supply of antihistamines and topical creams handy. Click here for more information from UH about Skeeter syndrome. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 1 Thing You Should Never, Ever Do If You Get A Mosquito Bite
Every summer, I get eaten alive by mosquitoes. My arms and legs get covered in bites that I scratch until they become bloody bruises that scab over and take weeks to heal. I know I'm treating my mosquito bites all wrong because, well, I have the scars to show it. Most mosquito bites go away within a week or so ― unless you don't take proper care of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when you get bit by a mosquito, the bug injects saliva into your body via its proboscis, the little needle-like body part that sucks up your blood. That saliva contains an anticoagulant that keeps your blood flowing so the bug can get a hearty meal to lay its eggs. The toxins in that saliva are thought to be what makes their bites feel warm and itchy. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, the director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic and a spokesperson for the College of American Pathologists, said this is because your body mounts an immune response to the saliva and releases a wave of histamines and leukotrienes. This reaction varies from person to person, and bug to bug, which is why some people develop significant swelling and soreness while others just get a mildly itchy bump. Regardless of how you react to mosquito bites, doctors agree there's one thing you shouldn't do when you get a bite: scratch it. It can be tempting to scratch mosquito bites given how incredibly itchy they can get, but you really want to avoid doing so, Pritt said. The main reason: There are many different types of bacteria that live on our skin and our bodies — like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus — that, for the most part, are harmless, according to Pritt. 'But if you have an open wound, like if you scratch really hard, you could actually rub the bacteria from your skin into that little wound and get an infection.' These infections, like cellulitis and impetigo, can cause redness, swelling, a blister, tenderness around the bite along with swollen lymph nodes and yellow discharge. They can be treated with antibiotics, but, in rare cases, an infected bite can lead to serious complications like sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis. The second reason you don't want to scratch: The more you itch, the more histamine cells your body will release, making the bite even itchier. 'Scratching can send mild pain signals to the brain, which can release serotonin and increase the sensation of itching,' said Pamela Frable, an associate professor at TCU's Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Of course, not scratching isn't the only way to speed up your recovery, and there are a few other steps you want to take to prevent infection and make sure your bite gets better. The very first thing you want to do after you get bit is wash the bite out with soap and water. This will help remove bacteria near the bite that could cause an infection. A mosquito bite is technically a small wound, said Frable, and 'it's generally a good idea to wash all wounds gently with soap and water.' Then, you want to apply ice to the bite, ideally for about 10 minutes or so, Pritt explained. Ice can drastically reduce the itching along with inflammation, pain and swelling, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Next up: Cover the bite with an anti-itch or antihistamine cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone. These products can drastically reduce itchiness and, most importantly, prevent you from scratching the bite and break the scratch-itch cycle, Pritt said. If you don't have these items in your medicine cabinet or aren't able to get to a pharmacy, you can whip up an anti-itch paste at home. Simply combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a splash of water to create a thick paste. Then, rub the mixture over the bite, wait 10 minutes, and wash it off. This DIY concoction reduces itch, according to the Mayo Clinic, but, better yet, it prevents you from scratching the bite and making things even worse. Finally, you want to keep an eye on the bite and pay attention to any symptoms you develop over the next week or two. It's fairly common to develop a fever or even swollen lymph nodes immediately after the bite, so don't panic if you experience these symptoms right away, Pritt said. Not all mosquitoes carry disease, but some spread Zika, dengue and West Nile virus, all of which can cause severe illnesses and health complications. You can't tell if a mosquito carried a pathogen by simply looking at the bite, according to Frable, which is why it's crucial to pay attention to any symptoms. So, if you get a fever, a rash, severe headache, or confusion a week or two after the bite, check in with a physician. They can run diagnostics tests to determine if you contracted a mosquito-borne disease and administer supportive care to help you recover. Fortunately, most mosquito bites resolve without any issues. But the less you itch and the better you take care of it, the sooner it'll clear up … until the next mosquito comes along. So THAT'S Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others How To Tell If A Bug Bite Needs Medical Attention The Definitive Answer On Whether Bug Spray Is Bad For You
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 1 Thing You Should Never, Ever Do If You Get A Mosquito Bite
Every summer, I get eaten alive by mosquitoes. My arms and legs get covered in bites that I scratch until they become bloody bruises that scab over and take weeks to heal. I know I'm treating my mosquito bites all wrong because, well, I have the scars to show it. Most mosquito bites go away within a week or so ― unless you don't take proper care of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when you get bit by a mosquito, the bug injects saliva into your body via its proboscis, the little needle-like body part that sucks up your blood. That saliva contains an anticoagulant that keeps your blood flowing so the bug can get a hearty meal to lay its eggs. The toxins in that saliva are thought to be what makes their bites feel warm and itchy. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, the director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic and a spokesperson for the College of American Pathologists, said this is because your body mounts an immune response to the saliva and releases a wave of histamines and leukotrienes. This reaction varies from person to person, and bug to bug, which is why some people develop significant swelling and soreness while others just get a mildly itchy bump. Regardless of how you react to mosquito bites, doctors agree there's one thing you shouldn't do when you get a bite: scratch it. It can be tempting to scratch mosquito bites given how incredibly itchy they can get, but you really want to avoid doing so, Pritt said. The main reason: There are many different types of bacteria that live on our skin and our bodies — like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus — that, for the most part, are harmless, according to Pritt. 'But if you have an open wound, like if you scratch really hard, you could actually rub the bacteria from your skin into that little wound and get an infection.' These infections, like cellulitis and impetigo, can cause redness, swelling, a blister, tenderness around the bite along with swollen lymph nodes and yellow discharge. They can be treated with antibiotics, but, in rare cases, an infected bite can lead to serious complications like sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis. The second reason you don't want to scratch: The more you itch, the more histamine cells your body will release, making the bite even itchier. 'Scratching can send mild pain signals to the brain, which can release serotonin and increase the sensation of itching,' said Pamela Frable, an associate professor at TCU's Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Of course, not scratching isn't the only way to speed up your recovery, and there are a few other steps you want to take to prevent infection and make sure your bite gets better. The very first thing you want to do after you get bit is wash the bite out with soap and water. This will help remove bacteria near the bite that could cause an infection. A mosquito bite is technically a small wound, said Frable, and 'it's generally a good idea to wash all wounds gently with soap and water.' Then, you want to apply ice to the bite, ideally for about 10 minutes or so, Pritt explained. Ice can drastically reduce the itching along with inflammation, pain and swelling, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Next up: Cover the bite with an anti-itch or antihistamine cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone. These products can drastically reduce itchiness and, most importantly, prevent you from scratching the bite and break the scratch-itch cycle, Pritt said. If you don't have these items in your medicine cabinet or aren't able to get to a pharmacy, you can whip up an anti-itch paste at home. Simply combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a splash of water to create a thick paste. Then, rub the mixture over the bite, wait 10 minutes, and wash it off. This DIY concoction reduces itch, according to the Mayo Clinic, but, better yet, it prevents you from scratching the bite and making things even worse. Finally, you want to keep an eye on the bite and pay attention to any symptoms you develop over the next week or two. It's fairly common to develop a fever or even swollen lymph nodes immediately after the bite, so don't panic if you experience these symptoms right away, Pritt said. Not all mosquitoes carry disease, but some spread Zika, dengue and West Nile virus, all of which can cause severe illnesses and health complications. You can't tell if a mosquito carried a pathogen by simply looking at the bite, according to Frable, which is why it's crucial to pay attention to any symptoms. So, if you get a fever, a rash, severe headache, or confusion a week or two after the bite, check in with a physician. They can run diagnostics tests to determine if you contracted a mosquito-borne disease and administer supportive care to help you recover. Fortunately, most mosquito bites resolve without any issues. But the less you itch and the better you take care of it, the sooner it'll clear up … until the next mosquito comes along. So THAT'S Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others How To Tell If A Bug Bite Needs Medical Attention The Definitive Answer On Whether Bug Spray Is Bad For You
