![]() ![]() Chills, fever, rash, pain, nausea and, rarely, more serious symptoms (like seizures or coma) also can follow a bite. The swelling may form a blister, which can later turn black and leave a scar as it heals over the next few months. ![]() Others may notice swelling and skin changes 4 to 8 hours after the bite. The bites usually don't hurt at first - and most people don't even know that they've been bitten.īrown recluse bites don't cause problems for many people. When humans enter their space unexpectedly, they bite out of fear. They are found mostly in midwestern and southern parts of the United States, and they like to hide in dark, quiet places like attics or garages, under porches, and in woodpiles. These spiders are small but tough, with a ½-inch body (about 1 centimeter) and legs stretching another inch (3 centimeters) or even more. The brown recluse is brown (big surprise) with a small shape of a violin in a darker brown area on its back. Although not everyone will have a reaction, you should see a doctor and get treatment quickly if you think you've been bitten by one of these spiders. But a small percentage of teens become ill after being bitten by brown recluse or black widow spiders. Most spider bites are minor, although they can cause mild swelling or allergic reactions. Mosquitoes in other parts of the world can carry other diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. Less than 1% of the people who are infected with West Nile virus become seriously ill. And although the virus can put people at risk for developing a serious infection called encephalitis, in reality this hardly ever happens. The good news is that most people, especially healthy people under 50, who get West Nile virus do not have any symptoms from it. You may have heard about West Nile virus, which is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Generally they aren't anything to worry about: They bite, you itch, end of story.īut sometimes, infected mosquitoes can give people diseases. Mosquitoes hang out anywhere people, food, or pools of still water are found. ![]() Ticks are often found in wooded or grassy areas. But there have been cases in most states in the U.S., and the disease is also seen in Europe and Asia.ĭifferent types of ticks found throughout the United States can carry other diseases, too, such as tularemia or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In the United States, the northeastern and upper midwestern states are most affected by the threat of Lyme disease. One variety known as deer ticks is known to carry Lyme disease, so the trick is to get them off your body fast. Flea bites can cause itching or a rash.ĭepending on where you live, ticks could ruin a good camping trip. They are often found on Fido or Fluffy, but they can also be attracted to you. Flea and Tick Bitesįleas can be lumped into the irritating-but-not-serious category as well. It hardly ever happens, but severe allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings can be fatal if the person doesn't get medical help. If an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is available, it should be used right away. If a person has these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Other symptoms can include wheezing shortness of breath rapid heartbeat faintness and swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue. In the case of a systemic reaction, the person may break out in hives. A person can get a localized allergic reaction (swelling, heat, or itching of the skin around the sting area) or a systemic allergic reaction, meaning that the venom causes a reaction throughout the body. The affected area may get a little red or swollen and it may be slightly painful, but that's about it.īee and wasp stings can cause real problems for people who are allergic, though. Bee and Wasp Stingsįor most people, being stung by a bee is a minor nuisance. So you should know when a simple ice pack can bring some relief and when a visit to the local hospital is in order. Occasionally, though, an insect bite or sting can cause serious problems. Bug bites and stings are, for the most part, no more unpleasant than a homework assignment - kind of annoying but basically harmless. ![]()
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