University Times

With the arrival of summer, bug bites and insect stings can be a real nuisance. Drugstore shelves are stocked with various ointments and sprays that protect against the regular cast of summer insects — bees, ticks and mosquitoes. But are these products enough?

Donald M. Yealy, professor and vice-chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UPMC, says: “For the average person, bites and stings are usually innocuous, but for those with allergies, or when the insect transmits illness, serious health problems may develop.” 

Two of the biggest bug-borne disease concerns are West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

Last year, Pennsylvania reported 62 human cases of the West Nile virus, with 22 of those in Allegheny County.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Although some people become infected once bitten, few become seriously ill. Symptoms include fever, headaches, rash and muscle fatigue. In extreme cases, convulsions, neurologic injury, brain swelling, coma and death can occur. People over 50 are at greater risk of developing complications from the virus.   

Lyme disease, a bacterial disease, is spread by blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks).

Symptoms include a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the bite, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain. While most people’s symptoms are limited to minor aches, some may become seriously ill.

If untreated, Lyme disease can cause permanent neurologic injury, heart problems and arthritis.    

To reduce the risk of West Nile virus and Lyme disease, as well as the typical summer mosquito bites and bee stings, UPMC advises:

• When outside for prolonged periods, wear long-sleeved shirts tucked into pants and long pants tucked into socks.

• Wear enclosed shoes.

• Avoid going out near dusk and dawn.

• Avoid scented soaps, perfumes, hair sprays, sunscreens.

• For those allergic to bee stings or other insect bites, always carry an emergency first-aid kit and epinephrine injector.

• Wear insect repellent.

• Install or repair screens.

• Remove stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

If bitten or stung, here are some tips for treatment:

• To remove a visible stinger, gently scrape it with a credit card, fingernail or tweezers. Do not try to squeeze the stinger out — this can make the reaction worse.

• To relieve pain and swelling, apply a cool compress or ice.

• To relieve itchiness, apply calamine lotion. Antihistamines such as Benadryl also may help.

• Seek immediate medical attention if one or more of the these symptoms develop: sudden difficulty in breathing; sudden weakness, collapse or unconsciousness; hives or itching all over the body; extreme swelling that makes seeing, eating or breathing difficult.

For more information on West Nile virus, Lyme disease and other bug-borne diseases, visit www.cdc.gov