$Unique_ID{BRK01990}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Mosquito Bites and AIDS Transmission}
$Subject{Mosquito mosquitos bit Bites bitten AIDS acquired immune deficiency
syndrome HIV human immunodeficiency virus viruses transmit transmitting
Transmission transmissions blood contact summer infect infected infecting
infection malaria dengue fever fevers disease diseases sick sickness illness
illnesses African hospital hospitals patient patients precaution precautions
insect insects}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Mosquito Bites and AIDS Transmission


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QUESTION:  Everything I have ever read about AIDS says it is transmitted by
blood contact.  As we approach the hot summer season, I have a concern about
mosquitos, which suck blood.  Isn't it possible that if a mosquito bites an
infected person and then bites me that I can get AIDS in that manner? What can
I do to prevent that possibility?  I would appreciate your answer, as I think
this is a very important question.

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ANSWER:  Apparently, there are a fair number of people who also have this
concern; for, phrased in one fashion or another, I receive a letter with a
question on AIDS and mosquitoes with some frequency.  The simple answer is
that there is nothing you need to do about mosquito bites if you fear AIDS,
for mosquitoes do not transmit the infection.  They can infect you with
malaria, or possibly dengue fever, if you live in areas where these diseases
exist, but despite all research, no case of transmission of AIDS has ever been
reported.  And that includes workers in African hospitals for AIDS patients.
So you need only use the ordinary precautions against these annoying insects
to prevent being bitten, insect sprays and such, without any concern of
becoming infected with the AIDS virus.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.