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Protecting Your Kids from Mosquito Bites

9 HORA PASA , 16 DI AUGUSTUS 2018 15:12
SECCION: SALUD

The case of an American boy who came down with a life-threatening type of encephalitis
(swelling of the brain) from a mosquito bite serves as a striking reminder for parents, especially
in mosquito-prone regions about the importance of protecting kids from these pesky — and

sometimes disease-carrying — insects.

According to reports, LoriAnne Surrett considers that her boy, Noah, was bit by a mosquito
while playing outside near the woods. The mosquito reportedly carried the virus that causes La
Crosse (LACV) encephalitis. LACV is one of a group of mosquito-transmitted viruses that can

cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Since then, the boy has been recovering at home
after several days in the hospital.

“Taking precautions against mosquito bites is very important for the most vulnerable — very
young children and the elderly,” says Tony Tavarez, M.D., associate medical director, Children’s

Emergency Center at Baptist Children’s Hospital. “That’s partly because they have limited
response from their immune systems. Sometimes we get no symptoms or mild symptoms from
insect bites, and our immune system takes care of any virus that may be transmitted.”

Wearing protective clothing and applying mosquito repellent, while closely following directions

when applying to children, is crucial to avoid potential insect-borne diseases, he says.

“Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day, depending on the species,” says Dr. Tavarez. “The
rainy season is when they are most active. Parents should also take steps to avoid stagnant
water outside the home. Any open container that can fill with rainwater is a breeding ground for

mosquitoes.” (See mosquito prevention tips below.)

Cases of diseases contracted by mosquito, tick or flea bites have tripled from 2004 to 2016,
according to new data from the CDC. Such diseases can include dengue, Zika and Lyme
disease. Mosquito-transmitted diseases that have struck in recent years include dengue, Zika

and chikungunya, although local outbreaks have been controlled.

The boy’s symptoms included severe headaches, then he began having seizures, his mother