Consequences of mosquito plague - Rising doctor visits for infections caused by mosquito bites

Strong swelling and severe inflammation from mosquito bites

May showed up this year from its sunny high temperature side. What triggered premature midsummer feelings in many people caused a rapid increase in mosquitoes. The Commercial Health Insurance (KKH) now warns of the consequences of mass distribution, because mosquito bites are not only annoying, but can also cause severe swelling and severe inflammation. An expert of the KKH clarifies.

According to KKH, inflamed mosquito bites have to be treated more and more often by a doctor. Among other things, this is due to the fact that pathogens, germs or environmental toxins can enter the human organism with every stitch. Bacteria derived from animal excrement can also be transferred in this way. Of particular concern is that Lyme disease pathogens and the Sindbis virus have been detected in mosquitoes. As early as 2016, a study showed that mosquitoes can apparently transmit borreliosis.

The warm May has created good propagation conditions for mosquitoes. The KKH warns of a significant increase in infections caused by mosquito bites. (Image: Captain Adama / fotolia.com)

Scratching prohibited

Those who contract a mosquito bite should not give in to the urge of scratching, because, according to KKH, this can lead to even more germs getting into the wound. "Has stabbed a mosquito, under no circumstances scratch", advises Heiko Langer of the KKH service team in Bergisch Gladbach in a press release on the mosquito plague. Otherwise it could come to a bacterial infection. According to Langer, a doctor should be consulted as soon as the area around the sting becomes thick and hot around the sting, and reddened or hurts. This also applies if high fever and concomitant symptoms occur after mosquito bites during or after a holiday in high-risk areas.

First aid with mosquito bites

But what helps with mosquito bites? Instead of scratching, put a cloth soaked in cold water on the sting. If necessary, this can also be soaked with cold water until the itching subsides. Even cooling salves from the pharmacy can help. It is even better not to let yourself be stung. These effective home remedies for mosquitoes can help to keep the annoying pest spirits away:

Immigrant exotics

In the course of climate change and globalization, more and more exotic species of mosquitoes, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, are introduced in Germany. This could lead to the spread of tropical diseases such as yellow fever, dengue and Zika soon in Germany. Recently, the dangerous West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes in the Czech Republic.

(Still) No need to panic

"There is no reason to panic," says Heiko Langer. So far, only a few mosquitoes would transmit dangerous pathogens. According to KKH, the following measures can help to keep the annoying bloodsuckers away:

• Use mosquito repellent.
• Do not use heavily scented deodorants, perfumes and cosmetics.
• Wear long clothes made of light, tightly woven fabric.
• Attach fly screens to the windows.
• Before traveling abroad, consult a doctor about possible insect bites.
• It is better not to drive pregnant women to countries (such as Brazil) where the Zika virus is very common as it can cause malformations in unborn babies.

(Vb)