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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffMosquitoes select their victims by evaluating scent, exhaled carbon dioxide and the chemicals in an individual's sweat. A few factors may put you at greater risk of getting bitten. Mosquitoes are more likely to bite:
- Men
- Those with type O blood
- Overweight individuals
In addition, mosquitoes are attracted to heat. So, wearing dark colors, which absorb heat, may attract mosquitoes.
Age can affect symptom severity
Adults may become less sensitized to mosquito bites if bitten many times throughout life. This means adults are less likely to have strong reactions to mosquito bites. Children who haven't been bitten as much are at greater risk of experiencing symptoms from a mosquito bite.
