What a Mosquito Is
A mosquito (say: mus-
kee
-toe) is an insect that is found all over the world. There are
thousands of different kinds of mosquitoes in many different sizes
and colors. The female mosquito needs blood from vertebrates
(animals that have a spine) to lay eggs and produce more
mosquitoes. She has a special part of her mouth that she uses to
suck blood, and her saliva (spit) thins the blood so she can drink
it. In fact, it's the mosquito's saliva that makes the
bites itch!
What a Mosquito Bite Looks and Feels Like
A person who gets bitten by a mosquito will notice a round pink
or red bump that itches a lot.
What You Should Do
If you think you've been bitten by a mosquito, wash the bite
with soap and water. Put on some calamine lotion to help stop the
itching, or an adult can find an anti-itch cream at the drugstore
for you. Placing an ice pack on the bite may also help. Tell an
adult you've been bitten by a mosquito, especially if you live
in the eastern United States.
What a Doctor Will Do
It's
very
unusual for someone to have an allergic reaction to a mosquito
bite. But if you develop an allergic reaction and feel dizzy or
sick, tell an adult immediately. A doctor can treat allergic
reactions with medicines.
How to Avoid Getting Bitten
The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to wear an insect
repellent. Repellents that include one of these ingredients are
best: DEET, lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. Ask a parent to help
you apply them.
Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, it's also a good
idea to empty out buckets, flower pots, toys, and other things in
your yard that may have collected water during a rainstorm. And
when it's possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to
keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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