By Dr. Saman Manzouri

We know how bad mosquitoes can get during the active monsoon. Let’s face it, mosquitoes are part of life in Arizona, especially during and after monsoon storms. While most mosquito bites are generally harmless, they should not be ignored when symptoms change or worsen.

Treating Mosquito Bites

Our body’s reaction to mosquito saliva causes the familiar bump and itching. A typical bite may appear as a puffy, reddish bump within minutes, a hard, itchy bump or multiple bumps about a day later.

As a physician, I can tell you that most common bites can be treated at home by washing the area with soap and water, applying an ice pack for 10 minutes, using a baking soda and water paste or using an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream according to the label. Scratching should be avoided because bites can become infected.

Mosquitos Borne Diseases in Arizona

I’ve heard from patients about their concerns about West Nile Virus in Arizona. So far this year, there have been five deaths from the disease in Maricopa County. Fifty-five West Nile cases have been reported in Arizona, according to the CDC. 

According to the CDC, an infected bite may look red, feel warm, or show a red streak spreading outward, and worsening symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider.

You should know that about 80% of those infected with the virus do not develop symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they tend to be mild and include fever with headache, joint pain, body aches, vomiting, rash or diarrhea. That said, fatigue can last for weeks. Less than 1% of those who contract West Nile develop severe illness requiring hospitalization, with death being a possibility only in very rare cases. High fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis are some of the severe symptoms.

Dengue is another mosquito-borne illness that mainly affects travelers and has a history of local transmission in Arizona.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

The best approach is to treat bites early, watch for warning signs, and reduce mosquito exposure before bites happen. Fever, severe pain, spreading redness, confusion, neck stiffness, unusual bleeding or other serious symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor. 

Fever with eye pain, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain and nausea are the most common symptoms of dengue. You need to seek emergency help for severe dengue, which can include any of the following: belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood or blood in the stool.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

I tell my patients that preventing mosquito bites is the best medicine.  I recommend they use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. I also recommend loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. Permethrin-treated clothing and gear can help, but permethrin products should not be used directly on skin.

At my home, I make sure to remove standing water once a week by emptying, scrubbing, turning over, covering or throwing out items that hold water. I suggest everyone do the same thing around their homes.

About the author: Dr. Saman Manzouri is a primary care physician and Medical Director for Optum – Arizona.