Nearly Invisible Biting Mites Invading:
Here's What You Need to Know and Do
© 2013 Health Realizations, Inc.

Bed bugs and mosquitoes move over; there's a new growing potential menace that's causing Chicago-area and many other cities residents to itch all over, and they didn't even see it coming.

The oak leaf gall mite, an invisible invasive mite that probably came over from Europe, is being blamed for an outbreak of mysterious, itchy rashes in northern Illinois. Though it has yet to be confirmed -- the gall mite is so small that it can catch a ride on the back of a flying insect or just be blown around in the wind -- investigators say the rash has all the characteristic signs.

The Oak Leaf Gall Mite Has Struck Before

First, mysterious insect bites appeared in northern Kansas in 1994. Then, a decade later in 2004, an outbreak of rashes showed up seemingly out of nowhere in eastern Kansas and Nebraska. The oak leaf gall mite was the likely culprit in all the cases, and reports of similar outbreaks have occurred in Missouri, Oklahoma, central Texas and western Kentucky, as well. There is concern that a decade later sometime between this year and 2014 that there well could be another outbreak of rashes.

Though they typically feed on larvae in oak trees, the mite will bite humans it falls upon if food is scarce. The mites' saliva contains a neurotoxin that can kill small insects and caterpillars, and in humans produces extreme itching and a red, splotchy rash anywhere from 10 to 16 hours after being bitten. The bites themselves are painless, and you won't even know you were bitten.

The rash, which can last for days, is most likely to show up on your neck, arms, back and any other exposed skin areas.

The Mites are More Annoying Than They are Dangerous

Hundreds of cases of strange rashes have been reported in the Chicago-area since August 1, 2007. Health officials do have a word of good news for those affected (or worried about it): the mites are more of a nuisance than a health threat.

Although getting bitten by the mites is very irritating, it is not dangerous to your health. Those who have been bitten, though, should not scratch the bites, as it could cause an infection, health officials say. Simply treating the rash with an anti-itch cream, such as Drawing Salve, should help to provide relief.

As it stands, little is known about the oak leaf gall mite, its eating habits or why outbreaks seem to appear -- and disappear -- out of nowhere. Researchers also don't know whether they're spreading, and attempts to catch the invisible creatures using sticky traps have been, so far, unsuccessful.

For now, if you live in an affected area, or just want to be extra-cautious, you can protect yourself by wearing long sleeves when you're outside, and showering and washing your clothing when you come in.

So feel free to enjoy the rest of your late summer days and nights in the great outdoors, just throw on a light long-sleeved shirt -- especially if you're near a wooded area.

Experts agree that this irritating mite made its first appearance in the Chicago area, and has spread across much of North America.

The question is "when will be the next widespread outbreak of rashes", only this time expected across the much of North America and Canada.

Sources

ChicagoTribune.com

ABC News