News India Live, Digital Desk: As soon as a mosquito buzzes in the house, our first reaction is to kill it immediately. And most of the times we use our hands for this. Mosquitoes are eliminated with the sound of ‘thapp’, but have you ever thought how dangerous this small habit can prove to be for your health? Most of us don’t even think about washing our hands after a mosquito bite. Let us know today how costly this seemingly minor carelessness can actually be.

The danger is not from mosquito blood, but from our own skin.

People often think that mosquito blood is dirty and can spread diseases. This is not completely true. The real danger comes from the bacteria sitting on our own skin rather than the virus or bacteria present inside the mosquito. When we rub a mosquito with our palm, the bacteria and dirt present on our skin get attached to that place. If a mosquito has bitten you, a small wound is formed at that place. When you rub the mosquito on the same spot, the dirt and bacteria from your palm come in contact with the open wound, increasing the risk of skin infection manifold. This can cause problems like itching, burning, redness and swelling at that place.

Are mosquitoes a ‘live bomb’ of diseases?

We all know that mosquitoes spread dangerous diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya and Zika virus. When a mosquito bites a sick person or animal, the virus or parasite enters the body. Although this is very rare, some experts believe that when you rub an infected mosquito against your skin, it is theoretically possible for the infected blood to enter your body through a cut or scratch in your skin. Its probability is very less, but the danger cannot be completely ruled out.

Then what to do?

The safest way to kill mosquitoes is to use things like electric rackets or sprays. But even if you use hands, make a rule that immediately after killing a mosquito, you will wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is a small habit that can save you from the possible risk of many types of skin infections and diseases. Next time you kill a mosquito, remember this.