Alberta’s rapidly increasing mosquito populations are causing more than just discomfort and irritation.
These bothersome swarms are resulting in a rise in emergency room visits across Alberta, especially among children.
Dr. Andrew Dixon, an emergency room physician in Edmonton, has seen several instances of “skeeter syndrome” this summer.
“Numerous children are arriving at the emergency department with mosquito bites. Over the past few days, I’ve likely treated five or six cases,” he shared in a recent interview with CBC News.
“We’ve observed a significant number of children presenting with considerable swelling. It tends to alarm parents the most when the swelling occurs around the eye area. When the eye swells shut, it understandably causes concern, but it is generally harmless.”
‘Not uncommon’
When mosquitos bite, our bodies react to their saliva, causing itchiness.
However, some individuals, particularly those who have not experienced many bites, may have a much stronger inflammatory response.
“Skeeter syndrome is more prevalent among younger individuals,” noted Dr. Mariam Hanna, a pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist at McMaster University.
“It usually improves as they age, as they encounter more mosquito bites and develop greater tolerance. Their immune system begins to recognize it increasingly well.”
According to Hanna, extensive areas of skin can become very red, swollen, and warm, and in certain instances, blisters may develop with fluid.
These reactions are most common around preschool age and tend to diminish by the time children reach school age, she explained.
Dr. Mariam Hanna is a pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist at McMaster University. She’s also the pediatrics chair for the Canadian Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. (CBC)
“Most families are, in fact, unfamiliar with this condition. Therefore, when it occurs to your child or someone you know, it can be quite frightening to witness,” she stated.
“It’s not rare, particularly in certain regions of Canada where mosquito populations and bites are significantly higher.”
Skeeter syndrome is localized and does not result in anaphylaxis, making it non-life-threatening, according to Hanna, who is also the pediatrics chair for the Canadian Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
In some cases, a mild fever may accompany the condition.
Since this could also indicate a potential infection, she advises seeking medical assistance if that occurs or if there are concerns about your child.
Mosquitoes rampant
At the University of Calgary, John Soghigian has been closely monitoring mosquito populations.
“Calgary is experiencing a particularly severe early mosquito season, and the situation seems similar throughout the province, driven by substantial rainfall earlier in the year,” remarked Soghigian, an associate professor in the faculty of veterinary medicine.
“We are capturing significantly more mosquitoes—up to a hundred times more in some traps compared to this time last year,” he noted.
Given such high mosquito counts, it’s no surprise that cases of skeeter syndrome are increasing.
“Both Edmonton and Calgary have seen rapid population growth due to an influx of newcomers,” he observed.
“If individuals, especially children, haven’t been exposed to mosquitoes before, they are at a higher risk of developing skeeter syndrome or other allergic responses to mosquito bites.”
The duration of mosquito swarms will ultimately depend on the amount of additional rainfall, according to Soghigian.
For instance, last year, mosquito activity intensified later in the season following a slow start, he explained.
Meanwhile, Hanna suggests several treatments for skeeter syndrome, such as icing the affected area, applying over-the-counter steroid creams, and taking oral antihistamines.
If the joints are affected, she recommends using acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate discomfort.
In a recent public service announcement, Alberta Health Services reported that allergic reactions from insect bites, stings, and environmental exposures resulted in 1,511 hospital visits across 13 facilities during the months of June, July, and August last year.
For his part, Dixon advises individuals to contact Health Link if they have any concerns.