The Asian tiger mosquito is expected to strike again this summer but health authorities are advising against over-using antibiotic creams to treat bites.
“Antibiotics will do very little to heal these bites. The swelling is a reaction to the bite and it’s best to soothe it with other creams – never scratch because this can lead to an infection,” said Tanya Melillo, head of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit.
The unit is working with the National Antibiotic Committee on an education campaign to discourage people from pressuring doctors to prescribe antibiotic creams, as this will only lead to resistance and make future infections difficult to treat.
Research released last year showed hospital superbug MRSA had reared its head on the island, possibly as a consequence of the abuse and misuse of the creams.
Antibiotic creams are meant for very specific skin infections but fewer than five per cent are used to treat the ailments they were aimed for.
With this in mind, guidelines to manage mosquito bites are being released after health authorities witnessed severe reactions following the arrival of the Asian tiger mosquito a couple of years ago.
Clinical manifestations are characterised by a zone of redness around the bite, itching and moderate to extensive swelling.
A cold compress should initially be applied to the affected area, followed by an antiseptic cream.
If bitten individuals are in pain, the redness extends beyond the bite, or have multiple bites with gross swelling and severe itching, this could be due to the infection cellulitis and they should consult a doctor.
Don’t let the bugs get you
• Asian tiger mosquitoes attack mostly during daytime. Where possible, minimise areas of exposed skin during outdoor activities.
• Insect repellents, such as Permethrin, can be applied to clothing.
• Aerosol insecticides, vaporising mats and mosquito coils can help to clear rooms.
• Optimum protection can be obtained by using repellents containing DEET on exposed skin.
• Get rid of mosquito sources in your yard or garden by emptying water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change water in pet dishes every three days and replace water in bird containers every week.
• Have secure screens on windows and doors.
• Keep children’s pools empty and on their sides when not in use.
• Do not leave fish ponds without fish. Keep suitable fish such as goldfish, gambuzja (guppy) and muzaq (jellyfish) in boreholes and ponds.
• Empty swimming pools when not in use, especially if the water is not chlorinated.
• Drain puddles that last more than three days.