About mosquito bites

Why do you get mosquito bites?

Mosquito bites occur when mosquitoes inject saliva into the skin to prevent the blood from clotting while they suck blood with their proboscis. It is the body's reaction to the saliva that causes the skin to become red, swollen, and itchy – often for several days, but it is usually completely harmless.

Why do some people get more bites than others?

Some people seem significantly more attractive to mosquitoes than others.
Research shows that people who are often bitten by mosquitoes emit fewer scent signals than those whom mosquitoes avoid. So it is the opposite of what was previously believed – a weaker body odor can make you more interesting to mosquitoes. Exactly why people react differently to bites and why we attract different amounts of mosquitoes is still not fully understood.

Can mosquitoes transmit diseases?

In many parts of the world, mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases like malaria, dengue, and zika.
In Europe, the risk is significantly lower, but some mosquito-borne diseases occur and may appear during warm seasons or related to travel.

Mosquito-borne diseases in Europe

Although rare, the following diseases have been reported in Europe under special conditions:

• West Nile virus – naturally occurs in southern and central Europe and can sometimes occur further north.
• Usutu virus – rare, but found in parts of Europe.
• Sindbis virus – known in the Nordic countries; in Sweden, it can cause what is called Ockelbo disease.

In Sweden and northern Europe

The risk of mosquito-borne diseases is very low, but the following may occur:

• Ockelbo disease (Sindbis virus) – rare and usually mild.
• Tularemia ("hare fever") – mainly spread by ticks or flies, but mosquitoes can in rare cases contribute.

Both are uncommon and most mosquito bites are completely harmless.

Mosquitoes, gnats, and biting midges – how the bites differ

Mosquitoes

• Suck blood with their proboscis
• Cause red and itchy rash
• Itch quickly after the bite

Gnats and biting midges

• Bite small wounds in the skin
• Cause small spots with intense itching
• Can itch for several days

How to treat mosquito bites

These methods quickly relieve itching and swelling from mosquitoes, gnats, and biting midges:

• Aspivenin pump – used immediately after the bite to suck out saliva
• Cooling spray or ice – reduces both swelling and itching
• Anti-itch cream or gel
• Aloe vera to soothe irritated skin
• Antihistamines for larger reactions

Avoid scratching as it worsens the bites and can cause infection.

When should you seek medical care?

• If the swelling becomes very large or does not go down
• If the bites become infected
• If you experience allergic symptoms (very rare)

Summary

Mosquito bites are caused by the body's reaction to mosquito saliva. By combining mosquito traps, repellents, nets, and insecticides, you can effectively reduce the risk of getting bitten. If you do get bitten, Aspivenin, cooling spray, and anti-itch products work best for quick relief.