More People Calling 9-1-1 After Mosquito Bite

Paramedics say as West Nile cases go up so does their call volume. Emergency Responders At EMSA are seeing a rise in 9-1-1 calls from people bit by mosquitoes. Dispatchers have gotten several calls from folks saying they have a mosquito bite and need paramedics to check it out.

"There is absolutely no reason to call 9-1-1. There is absolutely no reason to go to your primary care physician unless you're showing symptoms then you can go to your primary care physician," said EMSA paramedic, Tony McCarty.

EMSA officials say they understand the fear of west nile but say there is not much emergency personal can do. 

"There is absolutely nothing on an ambulance or in an emergency room that when you are bit by a mosquito we can do for you," said McCarty.

McCarty says most people do not even show symptoms for 3-14 days so calling right 9-1-1 away does no good. Paramedics say they never discourage anybody from calling 9-1-1 but want folks to understand the virus and the way it effects people.

Doctor Kristy Bradley with the Oklahoma Department of Health is not shocked by the calls. She understands people's fears but says calling 911 is not the best option.

"Don't panic at the time you get the bite.  A mosquito bite is not an emergency," she said.
 
Dr. Bradley offers her own advice.

"We just ask that you monitor yourself for symptoms that could be associated with west nile virus."

McCarty says Oklahoma City is not the only place this is happening. He says Dallas and Tulsa are facing the same problem.
More People Calling 9-1-1 After Mosquito Bite

Posted: Tuesday, September 4 2012, 10:32 PM CDT