THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026 Page 11 More Than an Itch: Treating and Preventing Summer Insect Bites and Health Risks By Dr. Ana Stankovic, chief medical offi cer, UnitedHealthcare of New England B etween backyard barbecues, beach vacations, and hiking trails, warmer weather encourages us to spend more time outdoors. But alongside all the summer fun in the sun comes the often-overlooked health risk of insect bites and stings. Many people consider insect bites to be nothing more than an itchy inconvenience. A mosquito bite, a bee sting, or a tick found after a hike may seem like an inevitable part of enjoying nature. However, some bites and stings can lead to serious health concerns, including severe allergic reactions and diseases. West Nile is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in the continental United States, and Lyme disease is one of many illnesses caused by a pathogen ticks may carry.1 The challenge is that it’s often diffi cult to tell the difference between a harmless insect and one carrying disease, and many tickborne diseases share signs and symptoms. That’s why prevention and awareness are so important. Nearly one in 10 Americans experiences a tick bite each year,2 yet nearly two-thirds of adults report that they rarely or never check themselves for ticks after spending time outdoors.3 Knowing how to reduce insect bites, identify symptoms, and understand when to self-care vs. seek medical attention can create an enjoyable, pest-free summer. Spot the Signs Most insect bites cause mild reactions such as itching, redness, warmth or minor swelling, and these symptoms can typically be managed with basic fi rst aid. Washing the aff ected area, applying an ice pack, and using over-the-counter anti-itch creams or antihistamines may help relieve discomfort. However, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Diffi culty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the lips or throat, nausea, vomiting, cramping or severe headaches may indicate a serious allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention. Importantly, half of all fatal reactions to insect stings occur in people with no previous history of severe allergies, underscoring the importance of recognizing warning signs quickly.4 Any tick bites that lead to fever and chills, aches and pains, fatigue, or rashes should be addressed by a healthcare provider. Tickborne pathogens can cause fever and rashes that can vary or be absent, along with diff erent associated symptoms depending on the specific pathogen. Based on your symptoms, examination, the geographic region where you were bitten, and lab results, a medical professional can develop an appropriate treatment plan. Before the Bite Prevention remains the best defense against bugrelated illnesses. Wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, using EPA-registered insect repellents and taking precautions around your home can signifi cantly reduce exposure. For ticks, a thorough body and scalp check after spending time outdoors is essential, particularly because ticks can live in any grassy, brushy or wooded area. This is especially important in Massachusetts, which has a high incidence of reported Lyme disease cases.1 Mosquito prevention matters just as much. Repairing damaged window and door screens and eliminatINSECT BITES | SEE Page 15 Investigators Seeking Early Photos, Video of Wakefield Fire Public’s Assistance Could Help Identify Area of Origin W AKEFIELD—Wakefield Fire Chief Thomas Purcell and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine are asking for the public’s help as they investigate last week’s six-alarm fire on Foundry Street. Specifi cally, Wakefi eld and State Police fi re investigators are interested in photos and video shot during the fire’s earliest stages. Based on their eff orts so far, they believe the fi re began inside the building, but the catastrophic damage has posed major challenges in identifying exactly where. “We know this fi re brought a large number of people to the area as it grew in size,” said Chief Purcell. “What we’re looking for now are photo, video, and observations from people who were present when the fi re was fi rst noticed.” Anyone with photo, video, or other information regarding the fire’s early stages is asked to contact Deputy Chief John Walsh of the Wakefi eld Fire Department at 978-3825552 or the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit at 978-567-3310. “We are not investigating this as a suspicious fi re at this time,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Our main interest right now is identifying the area of origin, which will help determine the exact cause.” The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 102 Foundry Street just after 3:00 pm on August 7. They found heavy smoke and fl ames on arrival at the single-story brick structure and immediately undertook eff orts to contain the blaze and protect adjacent properties. The building, a disused warehouse with a heavy fi re load and extreme clutter inside, sustained catastrophic damage in the fi re, which went to six alarms and drew mutual aid from across the region. Firefighters had the blaze under control by about 6:00 pm and remained on scene for hot spots and overhaul until early the next morning. Heavy equipment was used to level the structure due to its instability. Please save the date! The Establishment Restaurant fundraiser to benefi t Medford Community Chorale & Youth/Young Adult Chorus: Tuesday, September 15! A restaurant fundraiser will take place at The Establishment Restaurant on Tuesday, September 15, to benefi t the Medford Community Chorale & Youth/Young Adult Chorus. The fundraiser is valid from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at The Establishment Restaurant at 175 Rivers Edge Dr. in Medford (and includes both dine-in and takeout/online orders). The Establishment will donate 20% of the proceeds from ALL FOOD AND BEVERAGE PURCHASES back to the chorale! PLEASE NOTE: In order for the chorale to benefi t from your purchase, you must show the fl yer to your server! Please mark your calendars and invite your family and friends, neighbors and coworkers and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at The Establishment (or in the comfort of your own home!) on Tuesday, September 15, between 11:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. and help support the Medford Community Chorale & Youth/Young Adult Chorus.
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