Strolling in the wild is a nice refresher in summer days, but always keep an eye on poisonous insects lurking in the woods. Recently, some residents in Guangdong were bitten by Ceratopogonidae bugs and suffered from serious rashes and oedema. This is timely to warning other people to take precaution.

What are Ceratopogonidae bugs?

Ceratopogonidae bugs, kindred of mosquitos, are as tiny as 2mm. Most of them are brown or black, their wings can hardly be seen. They are seldom caught as they fly fast and randomly. They feed on human blood and are known for three varieties Culicoides, Forcipomyia, and Leptoconops.

Where do they lurk?

Different subtypes of Ceratopogonidae bugs inhabit different places. Culicoides are mostly aquatic, usually living around water edges, mud lumps in rivers, and aquatic plants. Forcipomyia and Leptoconops are terrestrial, growing in moist soil. In China, Guangdong and Fujian are most seriously affected by them. Clouds of Ceratopogonidae bugs can be seen in parks in summer.

Symptoms of Ceratopogonidae bugs’ bite

1. Skin ashes appear in large numbers.

2. The bitten skin gets swollen with inflammation and blisters.

3. Much itchier than a mosquito bite. Some may aggravate into hives, also known as urticaria. Insect repellent does little to help.

4. Red and swollen skin will not recover in several days.

5. There may be black spots left on the skin after the above symptoms subside.

Ceratopogonidae bugs may be a causative agent carrier of Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, etc. But China has not reported human diseases infected from Ceratopogonidae bugs.

Personal protection tips

1. Wear long-sleeve shirts and long trousers when you go to the wild.

2. Stay away from water and woods. Bring insect repellent instruments such as wrist bands with you.

3. Pay attention to personal hygiene and reduce the use of perfume, as Ceratopogonidae bugs like the smell of sweat and decaying things.

4. Install qualified window screens to block the insects out.

5. Wipe out the nests of Ceratopogonidae bugs, fill hollows, and remove stagnant water and moss.

6. Resort to hygiene service companies if necessary.

What to do after Ceratopogonidae bugs’ bite

1. Do not scratch the bitten skin. Clean it with soap. If the blisters break, sterilize the skin with iodophor every 30mins.

2. Take medicine properly. Patients with acute skin symptoms can take anti-allergic drugs, while those with secondary infections can choose antibiotics.

3. If there are severe symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and disturbance of consciousness, go to hospital immediately and report your situation about Ceratopogonidae bugs’ bite.

Author | Jerry (intern)

Editor | Monica, Jerry, Abby