September’s floods left more than hefty insurance payouts in their wake for, according to an infectious disease expert, they are the reason behind the sudden surge in mosquito attacks these last few weeks.
People are using mosquito apps on their phones to prevent being bitten
The Asian Tiger mosquito was the main culprit because their adult lifespan was from May to September, Tanya Melillo, head of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit, said.
“Water is the right environment for them to lay eggs. In summer it would have dried up but the floods filled in all our gaps again,” she explained.
Several people contacted The Times concerned that vicious mosquito attacks were not normal for this time of the year.
“We are being bitten day and night. I am not even wearing skirts because my legs are all blotchy and swollen from the bites and yet I’m being bitten even through my trousers,” Faye Camilleri, 38, from Balzan, said.
The most hard-hit area is the centre of Malta, particularly Attard and Balzan, and those regions that were heavily flooded in the aftermath of the first winter storm, like Marsascala.
The Asian Tiger, which only comes out during the day, is more liable to carry out a surprise attack because it does not make a buzzing sound. “There is no forewarning with the Asian mosquito and they are very quick and able to get under the clothes easily,” Dr Melillo said.
The Asian Tiger was introduced on the islands back in 2010, probably brought over from Sicily.
In an attempt to control the swollen damage left by the bite, victims have taken to sharing advice online.
Recommendations include crushing aspirin into a powder and rubbing it over the bite; rubbing toothpaste on the bite and then pouring mouthwash over it.
Technology is also being put to good use, with several claiming they are successfully using mosquito apps on their smartphones to stop being bitten. The apps work as sonic repellents and when switched on a sound starts running in the background and keeps mosquitoes away.
However, Dr Melillo said the best prevention was to set up mosquito coils by the doors to prevent the Asian Tiger from entering the building. She stressed that people had to get rid of mosquito sources in their gardens by emptying water from flower pots, buckets and barrels.
“They are mostly attracted to smells created by our bodies, the body smell,” she said, explaining that this was why some people got more bites than others.
It was normal for the swelling to last a few weeks. “Do not scratch because that can cause an infection,” she warned.
A cold compress should initially be applied to the affected area, followed by an antiseptic cream. If bitten individuals were in pain or have multiple bites with gross swelling and severe itching, they should consult a doctor so mild steroids can be prescribed. Antibiotic creams should not be applied unnecessarily.