Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu reported that rehabilitation of stream beds, provision of water drains after rains, and spraying of existing deposits are among the urgent measures to reduce mosquito cases.

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu explained that different types of mosquitoes were encountered this year.

"This year, people have encountered many different mosquitoes, and they realize that these are not the mosquitoes they have always been accustomed to. Mosquitoes are bigger and more hurtful. The resulting mosquito bites are different from the tiny redness we are used to. It is wider, hot, painful, and very intense itching and because of that itching, wounds are formed on the body. Bacteria are added to it and a much more terrifying appearance emerges with secondary wounds. “This year is a little different.”

Referring to the reasons for the increase in mosquitoes, Sönmezoğlu gave the following information:

"The increase in mosquito species, as well as the arrival of too many species, this year's summer rains were more than we expected. This caused puddles and stream beds that had not yet been reclaimed to be filled with standing water. Because mosquitoes' females only feed on blood and can ovulate when fed. Mosquitoes need stagnant water to spawn. There are especially cases from the Avcılar and Sarıyer. But a patient from Levent also called me and sent me pictures of the same lesions. Therefore, they exist everywhere in Istanbul.” 

Water Deposits in Unreformed Stream Beds Most Important Focus

Stating that different allergens are observed due to the increase in diversity, Sönmezoğlu said that skeeter syndrome, which is interpreted as an allergic reaction to the proteins in the saliva during the sting of the mosquito, is mostly seen in children.

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu stated that reactions such as redness, swelling, pain, and itching, which last for a few days, can occur in this syndrome, muscle, abdominal pain, and diarrhea can be seen in the advanced stage, and cold press significantly reduces the reaction.

Stating that more severe reactions may occur, albeit very rare, Sönmezoğlu also added: "When there is a severe headache, itching, muscle, and joint pain, it is absolutely necessary to go to the doctor. Respiratory distress also occurs in faster-developing cases."

Meral Sönmezoğlu stated that allergic reactions can also be seen in adults and continued her speech as follows:

"How do we get rid of mosquitoes? How do we get them out of their habitat? This is a crucial point. We know very well that the females of mosquitoes need stagnant water to spawn. Wherever there is a puddle, the nesting of those mosquitoes will create a focus for their reproduction. The puddles in the unconditioned stream beds formed after these rains constituted the most important foci, and there were many in Istanbul as well. It is a crowded city. Therefore, the rehabilitation of these stream beds, the provision of water drains after rains, and the spraying of existing deposits are among the emergency measures."

''Mosquitoes Are Vectors, They Carry Disease''

Stating that mosquitoes can carry many viruses and pathogens such as malaria and West Nile virus, Sönmezoğlu said:

“Turkey is one of the countries with the most intense map for West Nile virus. Some of these cases may be West Nile virus. Veterinarians conducted a study in the Thrace region. They scanned 5,000 mosquitoes, one of which isolated the West Nile virus. This is important. So, there is West Nile virus in this region, but we cannot distinguish it because 80% of it is mild. Tests are also quite expensive. Not found in every hospital. So even if we cannot diagnose it, we know that mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus.”

Prof. Dr. Emphasizing that mosquitoes are vectors and carry diseases, Sönmezoğlu said, "Since they are also placed in very dirty places, I say that it is necessary to avoid mosquitoes and definitely destroy them by spraying, but individual measures should be taken at home."

Press Coverage: aa  |  beyazgazete