Can HIV infection occur through mosquito bites?
Disease description:
A few days ago, I was bitten by mosquitoes and insects while traveling with a friend. I’m worried about contracting HIV—can HIV be transmitted through mosquito or insect bites?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wan
Mosquito bites typically do not transmit HIV infection. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, blood exposure, and mother-to-child transmission. After feeding on blood, mosquitoes do not regurgitate it; even if a mosquito feeds on blood containing HIV, it cannot transmit the virus to a healthy person—HIV cannot survive or replicate inside a mosquito’s body. After a mosquito bite, proper skin care is recommended: washing the affected area with soapy water can help relieve itching.
