Cathy Isom gives us the facts about mosquitoes and why some people are prone to others when it comes to being bitten. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Mosquito Prone?
Mosquitoes are a pesky nuisance for many this time of year. Besides the irritating itch, infectious mosquito–transmitted diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, Yellow fever, encephalitis, and Zika are on the rise throughout the world. Despite global awareness, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are a major health 
problem. If there’s a mosquito near, are you the one that seems to have a target drawn on your skin? Some people are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than others. Understanding how mosquitoes select their target, what they are attracted to, and what they find offensive, could hold the key to preventing mosquito bites.
With its keen sense of smell, mosquitoes can detect its next victim up to 55 yards (50 meters) away. Only the female mosquito bites, males do not. The female mosquito needs the iron and protein in your blood to produce eggs. Adults are more apt to be bitten by mosquitoes than small children.