Mosquito bites can lead to infection
Mosquito bites are annoying at the very least but can also result in infections — in the right conditions.
Most mosquitoes in this part of the world are not carrying diseases but the itch from a bite can result in scratching and that can lead to an infection, said Dr. Vivien Suttorp, south zone medical officer of health Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Humans have lots of bacteria that live on our skin and if you are scratching that can provide a “route of entry for infection,” she said.
The best thing is avoid getting bitten in the first place.
Suttorp advises covering up bare skin with clothing as a deterrent. Stay away from tall grasses and moist areas where there are likely more mosquitoes.
“Especially at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most active,” said Suttorp.
Using an insect repellent with DEET also plays an important part.
“DEET is the one that is most effective,” said Suttorp. noting there are different concentrations of DEET in insect repellents.
It is important to look at the packaging, she said. Some of the stronger concentrations are advised for people spending an extended period out of doors near water such as those fishing. The concentration of DEET is also an indication of how long it is effective without having to reapply.
“It is important to look at the label (on the product) and the age implications,” said Suttorp.
Mosquitoes don’t travel long distances so if you have a lot of them around your home it would be wise to look for standing water where they could be breeding, said Suttorp. This could include water in planters, bird baths where the water is not changed daily, car tire swings for children, and even the dog’s water bowl should have water emptied and refilled every day to avoid a breeding mosquitoes.
At this time of year West Nile virus carrying mosquitoes are not a threat, said Suttorp. Over time as daily temperatures rise, the risk of West Nile virus increases. However, it makes sense to start the season with sensible precautions against mosquitoes rather than waiting for the first West Nile virus case to be announced.
“We don’t know exactly when West Nile will be here,” said Suttorp, advising to have a normal protection routine that becomes a habit like brushing your teeth. “If it is part of our routine when we go outside we don’t have to be that first case...”
Recent warmer weather has contributed to the increased volume of mosquitoes we are experiencing, said Dave Genio, superintendent of parks for the City of Medicine Hat.
Last week the city’s parks and recreation department did an inspection of typical mosquito breeding grounds, which includes doing a count of larva. Those numbers were similar to last year. The city will continue to monitor 60 sites where standing water is known to exist around the city, said Genio.
When considered appropriate, an application of a “highly effective, low-risk, environmentally compatible, biological larvacide” is applied to restrict the numbers, said Genio. At the moment the city is still just monitoring the situation.