NHS Direct deluged with people complaining of mosquito bites

The number of people complaining of insect bites has jumped this summer compared to last year's figures, NHS Direct reported.

Heavy rain followed by warm weather, especially at night, has been blamed for the increase in the past three months, said the government agency.

In the last two weeks of June, NHS Direct had 824 calls about insect bites. This figure rose to 2,076 in July and the number of calls stands at 1,491 for the first 12 days of August.

NHS Direct said the calls it had in the first days of August are up by 28 per cent on the same period in 2006 when the service took 1,157 calls about insect bites.

The increase has been matched by a rise in the number of online inquiries about mosquito bites. Website articles on insect bites are the most sought-after of the more than 700 entries in the health encyclopaedia of NHS Direct. In July and August, for instance, the service logged more than 17,400 website enquiries on insect bites compared to 12,316 enquiries on the subject for the same period in 2006.

"The wet weather left behind many small pools of standing water which are perfect for mosquitoes to breed in," said Matt Shardlow, director of Buglife, the insect charity.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water and their larvae can hatch and turn into adults within three to four weeks if the weather is warm enough, Mr Shardlow said.

"The rise in the number of bites is really the result of two coincidental factors. There are more mosquitoes around and there are more people outside in the evening who come into contact with them."

There are about 33 species of mosquito native to Britain but six of these are believed to be extinct. Just 20 are known to bite people: it is the female that sucks blood which she uses to make eggs.

"Most insect bites result in small, local reactions where the symptoms can be easily treated," said Helen Young, the clinical director of NHS Direct. She added: "When an insect bites it releases a form of saliva that can give rise to inflammation, blisters and irritation.

"These can vary depending on the type of insect involved, and the sensitivity of the person who is bitten. A bite may result in a small, itchy lump that lasts for just a few days, or it can lead to a more serious reaction. If you have a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite, such as wheezing, or other signs of respiratory distress, or hypotension [low blood pressure], you should call 999 immediately for medical assistance." Only one species of mosquito in Britain is known to be capable of carrying malaria, which was eradicated in this country a century ago.

How not to get bitten

* Cover exposed skin when outside, especially at dawn and dusk.

* Wear shoes when outside.

* Apply insect repellent to exposed areas of skin.

* Avoid strong perfumes, such as soap, shampoo and deodorants, which attract insects.

* Avoid areas where food is served, where there are flowering plants, and stay clear of compost heaps

* If bitten, apply a cold compress, such as a cold flannel or ice pack, to ease pain and swelling.

* Steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, or antihistamines (cream or tablets) can also ease itchiness and inflammation.