A mosquito bite can trigger serious adverse reactions in some people.
Although insects do not view humans as prey, they still happen to bite or sting for a variety of reasons. In order to defend themselves, sustain life or act in aggression, an insect will bite or sting, and sometimes release toxins, venom or other chemicals. Different types of insect and their accompanying toxins will cause varying physical reactions to the bite or sting.
Bee and Wasp Stings
Several species of bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets can sting. A sting from each species inflicts pain, due to the sharp barbed edge of the insect's stinger. Because an individual bee species has unique venom or toxin qualities, the body's reaction to the sting may vary. Commonly, the venom or toxin is composed of melittin, histamine or apitoxin. People who are not allergic to these stings commonly experience pain, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. Those who are allergic may undergo a dangerous anaphylactic reaction, which can include respiratory deficiency, swelling of multiple body parts, gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and cramps) and loss of consciousness. If untreated, an anaphylactic reaction could result in death.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are common, and almost avoidable during the summer months. A mosquito bites human skin and injects saliva in order to feed on blood. Common reactions to mosquito bites involve swelling at the inflicted area, redness and itching. People allergic to mosquito bites can also experience an anaphylactic reaction. The mosquito saliva can cause addition problems if they happen to carry diseases such as the West Nile Virus, malaria, yellow fever or dengue fever. Signs and symptoms of a serious infection will include fever, severe headache, neurological imbalances and swollen glands.
Fire Ant Bites
Fire ants are a variety of ants that can inflict pain on humans much greater than the common ant. The fire ant will bite a human and then inject a toxic venom called solenopsin into the bloodstream. Humans experience a painful sting that gives the sensation of a fire burn. Fire ant bites can also causes swelling, skin discoloration and irritation. If allergic to the ant bite, the human will experience an anaphylatic reaction as well.
Spider Bites
While spiders are not insects (they are arachnids), their bites can cause reactions similar to insect bites. Several species of spider will bite humans as a result of self-defense or in an act of aggression. A spider will use its fangs to deliver sharp bites. In nonvenomous spiders, a human will experience slight discomfort and a small bump for a few minutes. Reactions to venomous spiders last longer than 24 hours and either attack the nervous system (neurotoxic) or tissues and organs (necrotic). Common reactions to neurotoxic venom includes abdominal cramping, muscle contractions, excessive neural activity and respiration problems. Necrotic venom bites can cause rashes, swelling, blood clotting, kidney failure and, in severe cases, death.
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