Mosquito bites: Don't underestimate them, infection may have occurred

Mosquito bites, a common nuisance during warmer months, can pose more significant health risks than commonly perceived, ranging from severe allergic reactions to the transmission of serious diseases.

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The female mosquito attempts to reach a small blood vessel in the skin with its mouthpart, called a proboscis. During this process, it leaves a small amount of saliva in the tissue.

Dr. Ahmet Mehlepçi, General President of the Union of Solidarity, highlighted the biological process behind these reactions. When a female mosquito bites, it injects saliva containing proteins that the human immune system identifies as foreign antigens. This triggers the release of histamine and other substances, leading to the characteristic itching, redness, and swelling.

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The proteins in mosquito saliva are perceived by the immune system as foreign antigens. As a result, various substances are secreted, primarily histamine, which causes redness, swelling, and itching.

While typical reactions usually subside within a few days and remain localized, Mehlepçi warned that allergic reactions can manifest as larger swellings and widespread rashes. He stressed the critical need for immediate medical evaluation if symptoms like shortness of breath or swelling of the tongue or throat occur, indicating a severe allergic response.

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Especially if symptoms indicating a severe allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, or swelling in the tongue or throat area, develop, urgent medical evaluation is necessary.

Scratching bite areas can break the skin's integrity, increasing the risk of infection. Mehlepçi advised cleaning bites with soap and water, applying cold compresses, and avoiding scratching as primary management steps. He also noted that while local dengue fever cases have not been reported in Turkey, individuals can contract the illness during travel, underscoring the importance of awareness regarding mosquito-borne diseases.

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Scratching the bitten area can disrupt the integrity of the skin, increasing the risk of infection.