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Insect bites and stings - infographic

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Explore this infographic to learn about the insects that can cause infections and allergic reactions, the symptoms and treatments you should be aware of and tips to prevent bites and stings.

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Infographic to learn more about bites and stings of insects in Australia

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Learn more about insect bites and stings including what they are, symptoms, treatments and prevention.

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Last reviewed: November 2016


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Insect bites & stings: treatment | Raising Children Network

You can treat many insect bites and insect stings yourself. But if your child has an unusual reaction to an insect bite or sting, seek medical attention.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Insect - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

The most common causes of severe bite and sting allergyin Australia are: Bee sting (honey bee and native Australian bees) Wasp sting (paper wasp and European wasp) Ant sting (jack jumper, green-head, bulldog ants)Other insects such as ticks, caterpillars, March flies and even bedbugs can trigger anaphylaxis but are less common.Individuals can have a range of allergic reactions to stings bites but not all are serious.

Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website

Kids' Health - Topics - Bites and stings

When you read 'bites and stings' what do you think of? Well, I have those sorts of nightmares too! Occasionally some unfortunate people are bitten by these creatures, but most bites and stings are from much smaller beasties - like flying, jumping and crawling insects, quite small spiders and some things which look pretty tame really (sandflies, mosquitoes and fleas, to name just a few)

Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website

Bee stings - MyDr.com.au

The best way to deal with a bee sting is to scrape it off with a sideways motion using a firm object such as the blade of a knife, a credit card or even a fingernail.

Read more on myDr website

Urticaria (Hives) - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Urticaria (commonly known as hives) are mosquito bite like swellings on the surface of the skin that range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. They may last minutes or hours and can change shape from round to oval, forming rings or patches. The skin swelling seen in urticaria is due to the release of chemicals such as histamine from mast cells in the skin that causes small blood vessels to leak. They are often itchy, but sometimes may not be itchy at all.

Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website

Bites and stings quick guide

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Bites, stings and pests | SA Health

Links to information on bites, burns, cuts and pests

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Barmah Forest virus fact sheet - Fact sheets

Barmah Forest virus is transmitted to people by being bitten by a mosquito that is infected with the virus. Symptoms include fever, rash and sore joints. Avoiding mosquito bites prevents infection.​

Read more on NSW Health website

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of humans while they sleep

Read more on NSW Health website

Ross River fever fact sheet - Fact sheets

Ross River fever is caused by a viral infection, transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pains. Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites.

Read more on NSW Health website

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