The 'best' blood type for mosquitoes

Which blood type is most "attractive" to mosquitoes?

Through research, scientists have shown that people with blood type O face a risk of being bitten by mosquitoes twice as high as people with blood type B.

People with blood type A are even less likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than people with blood type B.

Additionally, 85% of us secrete a chemical that tells mosquitoes what blood type we have, and they are also more likely to be repelled by mosquitoes than the remaining 15%.

Experts tell the best way to treat mosquito bites

The main problem with mosquito bites, according to Dr Ron Behrens of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is infection. He says some people have such a severe reaction that their body creates an inflammatory response that causes swelling and fluid buildup around the bite area. These allergic reactions can irritate the skin so much that we have an uncontrollable urge to scratch them.

However, it is advisable to limit scratching as much as possible, because scratching tears the skin, making you susceptible to serious infections such as blood poisoning or cellulitis.

“The best way to prevent infection is to apply an anti-inflammatory cream, such as ibuprofen, immediately after you get bitten. Then cover the bite with a bandage to prevent you from scratching it,” Dr. Behrens stressed.

Mosquitoes feed on carbon dioxide. Therefore, people with high metabolic rates, as well as pregnant women, people with a high body mass index, and people engaged in physical labor are more attractive to mosquitoes.

Flight attendant dies from mosquito bite infection

A Thai flight attendant suffered from dengue fever and organ failure after being bitten by a mosquito in late July.