Dealing with insect bites

Bite of many insects may endanger life but we are mostly concerned about mosquito bite, as it can transmit deadly diseases like malaria, dengue etc.

In Dinajpur district of Bangladesh, 3 sisters less than 10 years old from the same family were killed after the bite of wasp which was very unusual.

In most of the cases, insects bite is not so serious. After bite there may be local pain, redness, mild rash, local or generalised itching. Very rarely there may be severe anaphylactic reaction and the victim may develop severe respiratory distress affecting multi organs and eventually death may occur if proper treatment is not offered in time.

Wasp stinging may develop pain, redness, minor swelling and itching. But in some cases serious systemic reaction can occur, patient may develop irreversible shock and may die. In this situation ICU management is needed which is not available everywhere and may not be affordable by all.

In insect bite, home management usually is enough. Clean the area with water and soap; then apply cold pack to the bite site. Some anti-allergic cream may be applied and occasionally antibiotic cream may be used. Rarely, they need to visit hospital.

A first aid kit should be available at home, in school or in office to provide primary management. Please do not neglect insect bites. Special attention should be given to the children and elderly persons where emergency management may be needed.

The author is a Professor of Paediatrics at Community Based Medical College, Mymensingh.

E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com