Are Mosquito Bites Dangerous?

For most people a mosquito bite is just an itchy annoyance. The itch and swelling come from the body reacting to saliva the mosquito injects while it feeds, which is why some people react much more strongly than others. The bigger concern is disease. Around the world, mosquitoes spread malaria, dengue, yellow fever and other serious infections. Most of these are rare in Florida, though the state does see occasional local cases of some, and travelers can bring others home. The simplest protection is not getting bitten. Wear an EPA-registered repellent outdoors, choose loose long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and keep window and door screens in good repair. If a bite looks infected or you feel ill afterward, get medical advice.

Mosquito Bites in Florida: Symptoms, Risks and First Aid

Only female mosquitoes bite. Most bites show up within minutes as a puffy, pale or pink bump that itches, then turn into a firmer red spot over the next day. Children and people new to an area sometimes have much bigger reactions, with hot, swollen patches several inches wide. These usually fade within a few days.

Florida does have mosquito-borne illnesses, and county health departments issue advisories when they’re detected. Those reported here include West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis, and the state has had locally acquired dengue cases, mostly in South Florida. Most people infected with West Nile virus never feel sick, but a small number develop serious illness.

Pets face a more routine risk: heartworm, a parasite spread by mosquitoes. Vets generally recommend year-round heartworm prevention for dogs in Florida. Horses can be vaccinated against eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus; ask your vet.

For itchy bites:

• Wash the area, then apply a cold pack.
• Use an anti-itch cream or an oral antihistamine if needed.
• Keep nails short and avoid scratching, which can lead to infection.

See a doctor if you develop fever, headache, body aches, a rash, joint pain, a stiff neck or confusion in the days to two weeks after being bitten, and mention the mosquito exposure. Get emergency care for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat. To reduce bites at home, see how to get rid of mosquitoes.