Insidious bloodsuckers: an invasion of mosquitoes and midges awaits Muscovites
Moscow and the region will have to survive a swarm of mosquitoes and midges, which will settle in other Russian regions. A significant number of flying bloodsuckers will be observed this weekend due to the heat and rains. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.
They're everywhere
Experts predict a high activity of mosquitoes and midges this hot summer in almost all regions of Russia, starting from Moscow and the Moscow region and ending with the Lipetsk and Novgorod regions — a relatively warm winter, rainy spring and good summer weather have allowed mosquitoes to multiply thoroughly. The density of buildings in urban areas and suburbs does not affect the number of mosquitoes. Bloodsuckers will inevitably appear where there is stagnant water and swampy terrain.
Russians most often encounter the following species: a genus of real mosquitoes that drink human blood, and long—legged mosquitoes. The latter have a very bad time, because unknowingly they also get hit by a palm or a fly swatter. You should not kill them, because they are not interested in humans, and they are not carriers of the disease. Long-legged mosquitoes are a very important link for the ecological system, because they are food for other animals and pollinate some plant species.
An equally uncomfortable representative of insects is the midge, which bites and carries worms, as well as other infectious diseases. Many of the residents of Russia have encountered them and remembered them as those bloodsuckers who leave behind serious hematomas and inflammations that require taking antihistamines.
A small danger
Mosquitoes are natural carriers of a wide variety of infectious diseases. Mosquitoes of several genera live on the territory of Russia, of which the Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles genera are the most important in epidemiological terms, Anna Balandina, an infectious disease specialist, told Izvestia. In the southern regions of our country, they serve as carriers of West Nile fever and dirofilariasis viruses, and in Primorsky Krai, the Japanese encephalitis virus.
Traditionally, dirofilariasis is more common in the southern regions, including Crimea, due to a milder climate, a prolonged period of mosquito activity, and more people engaged in agriculture and working outdoors. According to the infectious disease specialist, dirofilariasis has spread in recent years, and the epidemic process includes not only the southern regions, but also the central part of the country — the northern regions, the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East.
— This situation is associated with a large number of infected animals, mainly dogs and less often cats, and the creation of favorable conditions for the year—round breeding of mosquitoes in urban environments. For example, mosquitoes can live in flooded basements or attics of multi—storey buildings," said Anna Balandina.
On the territory of Russia, mosquito habitats have been registered, which are the main carriers of dangerous viral diseases such as Dengue fever, Zika fever, yellow fever, and malaria. Strangely enough, Russians should not worry about the spread of dangerous diseases. To date, all cases of these diseases detected in our country are imported.
"They are brought from trips to countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, the West Indies islands, including Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and the Middle East," Balandina explained.
According to her, the temperate climate and sanitary control over the range of mosquito vectors make it possible to exclude the formation of local foci of vector-borne diseases, but with further warming of the climate, there is a possibility of their spread. Thus, the infectious disease specialist noted that the annual state report "On the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population in the Russian Federation" for 2024 indicated that there is a risk of transmission of three-day malaria in the country, and therefore potentially dangerous reservoirs are being treated to destroy the larvae of the Anopheles mosquito.
Another nuisance that is inextricably linked to mosquitoes is bites and reactions to them, which can sometimes turn into allergies. Mosquitoes inject saliva containing anticoagulants and proteins to prevent blood clotting. The immune system can react to these proteins. In most people, the reaction is limited to redness, itching, and swelling, but some develop hypersensitivity after repeated bites — this is already an allergic reaction.
According to Zulfiya Afridonova, an allergist-immunologist and author of the Telegram channel "School of Allergy and Immunology for Doctors", about 90% of people experience itching and swelling after a bite. About 5-10% may have severe local reactions in the form of a giant bump.
— Real allergy: Skitter syndrome, a rare condition that affects less than 1% of the population. Statistics are limited, as most cases are not officially recorded, the reaction is considered normal and rarely requires medical intervention," explained Zulfiya Afridonova.
Mosquitoes bring the most concern to children — the bites itch, and little Russians invariably comb them. The allergist-immunologist advised to apply ice or a cold compress to the mosquito-damaged area for 10-15 minutes several times a day. At the request of parents, you can also use lotions aimed at drying and soothing the skin of children in such cases.
If the child has allergic reactions, it is preferable to give him second-generation antihistamines in an age-appropriate dosage. To avoid inflammation, and to "protect" the bite site from scratching, it is necessary to cut the nails short, use a bandage and keep clean — wash with soap once or twice a day.
— Severe reactions are rare in our region. Angioedema to a mosquito bite is not a local reaction, but a systemic hypersensitivity. It can start with a bite in the mouth or neck area and is dangerous because of the threat of suffocation," said Zulfiya Afridonova.
The easiest way to track that a child has an allergic reaction is to circle the bite site with a marker or pen, and then estimate the size after six hours or more. If there is an increase in size, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.
The allergist-immunologist listed to Izvestia the main symptoms when it is worth calling an ambulance: rapid swelling of the face, lips and eyelids, signs of suffocation, manifested by wheezing, coughing and wheezing, as well as sticky skin, cold sweat and pressure drop. She recalled that any acute reaction is a reason to consult an allergist in order to reduce the risk in the future and provide emergency protection.
And to minimize discomfort for the child, parents can use various tricks: for example, nets on the stroller and on the windows, but with the condition that locking mechanisms are installed to prevent accidental falls. Zulfiya Afridonova also advised choosing light-colored, closed clothes for walks, avoiding places where standing water is present, and going outside at dusk, using an age-appropriate skin repellent.
Fighting blood drinkers
Disinfector Alexey Cherepanov from the company "Vali! Pest" shared with Izvestia that this year the service receives a lot of complaints about acaricide treatments against ticks and mosquitoes.
— There is something to notice about myths. Mosquitoes do not perceive and react to ultrasound devices imposed on people, that is, fumigators, unlike dogs. Mosquito bracelets with essential oils have a local and weak effect, and if the bracelet is on your arm, it will not save your legs," Cherepanov emphasized.
Ultraviolet lamps that lure insects with light and shock them are designed for flies and moths, not mosquitoes. The latter are attracted to carbon dioxide, not the light itself.
— Garlic, lavender, cloves, vanillin and other natural mosquito repellents have a weak and short-term effect. To achieve the result, you need to rub it into the skin. It masks the smell of a person rather than scaring them away," said the disinfector.
According to Alexey Cherepanov, drugs based on DETA and IR3535 effectively repel mosquitoes. If the problem is observed indoors, then the old-fashioned way with fumigators and plates, liquids, can become a way of fighting. Window screens and mosquito curtains will be relevant for apartments, houses and tents.
— It is also possible to identify mosquito coils, especially outdoors. There are nuances — the wind will be a big hindrance, it is not suitable for indoor use, it cannot be used near children and people suffering from problems with allergies and asthma," said the disinfector.
According to him, regular treatment helps to significantly reduce the mosquito population, which means minimizing the risk of bites, allergic reactions, and even possible transmitted diseases.
— This is especially true for areas near water, houses with basements, as well as in the seasonal zone of activity of blood-sucking insects. I always recommend not waiting for a mass invasion, but acting ahead of the curve — with the involvement of specialists and the use of proven techniques. It is safe, effective and, most importantly, gives results," Cherepanov shared.
So, according to him, the reason for contacting a specialized service may be: a massive invasion of mosquitoes, which is happening this year, the presence of dozens and hundreds of individuals daily in the house, entrance and basement, the absence of the effect of spirals, traps and mosquito nets.
In conclusion, the disinfector shared with Izvestia that periodic treatment of the territory is not just a measure of comfort, but an element of competent prevention. If there is a risk of disease transmission through mosquitoes in the region, then pest control is a reasonable measure in such cases.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
