A 39-year-old member asked:
I live where there is 1) a ton of gay guys and 2) a ton of mosquitoes. can i get aids from a mosquito bite?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pavel Conovalciucanswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
No: There has been no proven transmission of the HIV virus via mosquito bite. Hiv doesn't live in mosquitoes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Machtingeranswered
Allergy and Immunology 46 years experience
Not likely: Mosquitoes can transfer malaria from one human to another but i know of no cases of hiv/aids transmitted by this vector. That should be reassuring because both malaria & HIV are endemic to the same areas of tropical africa. Anyone else have information on this terrorfying scenario?
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jack Mutnick commented
Allergy and Immunology 19 years experience
I have a question....what does a "ton of gay guys" have to do with anything. Actually there are more heterosexuals with HIV than homosexuals. Sounds like this person has more issues than just a concern for their health. Nonetheless, Dr. Machtinger's answer is correct. I am just not a fan of "gay bashing" even though I, myself, am not gay.
Mar 11, 2012
Dr. Steven Machtinger commented
Allergy and Immunology 46 years experience
Provided original answer
Thanks, Dr Mutnick. Sounds more like homophobia to me but your point is well taken.
Mar 11, 2012
Dr. Edward Goldberganswered
Specializes in Gastroenterology
No: Hiv cannot be transmitted through a mosquito bite.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Martin Raff commented
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
Dr. Goldberg is absolutely correct. There have actually been studies showing that mosquitoes do not carry this virus and cannot transmit it.
May 6, 2012
Last updated Jun 10, 2014
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