• Source:JND
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While most mosquito bites cause nothing more than a small red bump with itching, some mosquitoes in India can spread dangerous diseases. Species like Aedes aegypti can transmit dengue and chikungunya, Anopheles mosquitoes spread malaria and Culex mosquitoes can cause Japanese encephalitis. The bite itself happens when the mosquito injects saliva into your skin. For most people, this only causes mild irritation. However, in some cases, rare allergic reactions such as “skeeter syndrome” can cause large, painful swelling and redness that lasts several days.

In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram explained the health hazards of a mosquito bite other than rashes or allergies.

The real danger lies in the fact that mosquito-borne illnesses may start with very mild symptoms. A person might feel slightly feverish or tired and think it’s just a seasonal viral infection. But within days, or sometimes even hours, these can progress to severe problems like:

Health Problems After Mosquito Bite

• Bleeding or easy bruising (seen in dengue)

• Confusion or seizures (seen in Japanese encephalitis)

• Severe chills and sweating (malaria)

• Multi-organ failure in extreme cases

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Warning Signs To Look Out For After A Mosquito Bite

• High fever that does not settle with usual medicines

• Severe headache or behind-the-eyes pain

• Nausea or repeated vomiting

• Unusual tiredness, sleepiness, or irritability (especially in children)

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Small red spots or rashes on the skin

• Bleeding from gums or nose

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Children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with weakened immunity are more likely to develop severe illness.

Prevention is the safest protection. Use mosquito repellents, wear light-coloured full-sleeve clothes, sleep under mosquito nets and regularly remove stagnant water from flower pots, buckets or coolers where mosquitoes breed.