A mosquito on a human leg on Tuesday, Aug 6, 2024, in East Lansing, Michigan.
© Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – Today is World Mosquito Day. And appropriately, New York City is spraying for the insects — specifically to try and thwart West Nile Virus. The spraying is being done across all five boroughs.
So far, there have been four confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in New York City — mosquitos carry and spread the disease. The confirmed cases were discovered in Queens and Manhattan. Other suspected cases are being looked at in the Bronx. This is considered the peak of West Nile Virus season.
But why does it seem like mosquitos are more likely to bite — or more accurately, sting — some people? Dr. Christopher Bazzolli says the science behind why mosquitos prefer some people is tied to odor, body heat, and the amount of carbon dioxide we release. Most of that is hereditary and can’t be controlled.
Dr. Bazzolli says in terms of what people can do, using mosquito repellent is important. Also, once you are bitten — use anti-itch cream — so as to avoid infection from scratching and breaking the skin. Also, wearing loose-fitting clothing can help. And you should avoid standing bodies of water, as well as drinking alcohol.
