Edmonton children suffer 'skeeter syndrome' amid record summer rains and mosquito surge

Edmonton's wet and rainy summer has led to a significant increase in mosquito populations and a corresponding rise in 'skeeter syndrome' cases among children. Emergency room physicians are treating five to six children daily for this intense allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. Dr. Andrew Dixon, an emergency room physician at Stollery Children’s Hospital, explained that the condition is more common in children and its effects tend to lessen as the season progresses and the body adapts.

Senior scientist Mike Jenkins of the City of Edmonton reported that mosquito numbers in mid-July are 15 times higher than the previous year, marking the largest population in the last decade. This surge is directly linked to the unusually wet weather. Edmonton has recorded 580 millimeters of rain as of Tuesday morning, surpassing the 1953 record. The city is also on track for its wettest July on record, with 260.7 millimeters falling as of Tuesday, nearing the 1901 record of 282 millimeters.

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Your body kind of gets used to it over time and stops reacting as much.

Despite the discomfort and increased hospital visits, doctors emphasize that skeeter syndrome is not dangerous and is effectively treated with antihistamines. The condition, while alarming to parents, typically subsides as the season progresses.

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It’s definitely the largest number of mosquitoes we’ve had in the last decade.