Mystery solved: Straw-itch mite here until frost

By Ben Holman

Nevada Daily Mail

Parasites that are too small to be seen by the human eye and can float on the breeze like a speck of dust are being blamed for the rash of mysterious bites reported in Pittsburg, Kan., and in neighboring Missouri areas such as Barton and Vernon counties, during the past few weeks.

According to preliminary findings, says Crawford County Health officer Janis Goedeke, the insect to blame is the straw-itch mite. This particular species of mite usually feeds on insect larvae associated with grain and storage.

A team from the Centers for Disease Control, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas State University, Nebraska State University, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Pittsburg State University, Kansas State Extension, and Crawford County Health Department announced this preliminary conclusion Monday.

The problem was first identified after a Pittsburg State football game with visiting Western State College of Colorado. Fans from the visiting team said that they had been bitten so severely at the game they, at first, believed they had been the victims of bed bugs in their hotels. An assistant coach for Western State said that coaches and players complained of the bites for about four days after the game.

Since then, similar bites have been reported in neighboring states and reports have even been made here in Nevada. "The mites were identified in sample galls found on oak trees that were sent to Kansas State University," Goedeke said. "University of Nebraska and Kansas State University collaborated in identifying the mite."

The Center for Disease Control was called in after reports of the bites began to spread throughout Kansas and into neighboring states.

Experts say that the increased population of these mites is likely due to the unusual weather conditions this summer.

The Crawford County Health Department recommends using an insect repellent containing DEET to prevent the bites. Also, avoiding grassy areas and showering with plenty of soap after being in grassy areas are effective bite prevention. They also say that oral antihistamines and topical anti-itch creams have proven effective in treating symptoms, but health officials say victims should consult a physician if irritation persists after two weeks.

Spraying for mites will likely have no effect, say health officials, but the mite population should die out after the first frost.

"There is no evidence to suggest that the bites transmit disease, nor that there is a person-to-person transmission of the mite," said Goedeke.