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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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May 29, 2007 |
A Publication of QVHD |
The Ants Come Marching Two by Two…
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
...and so do the other
summer insects that create trouble! As spring explodes, mosquito
populations will begin to hatch, along with concern about West Nile
Virus.
You should expect that there will be mosquitoes that carry the virus
in Connecticut again this year. But there are several actions you can
take to limit your potential for getting infected with West Nile. As you
probably know, given the opportunity, mosquitoes will bite. Lessons
learned from surveillance and study data conducted during the last
several years has shown that those who protected themselves from
mosquito bites using various forms of protection, including insect
repellents ("bug spray"), were not infected with West Nile Virus.
Additionally, those persons who did become infected did not use
insect repellents ever or on a regular basis. Therefore, rather than
worry about this virus, take action and use Personal Protective
Measures (PPM) to protect your health this summer. This is
especially important for older persons. The majority of people exposed
to this virus do not become ill. However, older persons (and those in
poor health) tend to be the ones who develop symptoms.
Personal Protective Measures (PPM) include:
- Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin (also
known as KBR 3023.) Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus
may also provide protection similar to repellents with low
concentrations of DEET. Note: This does not apply to "pure" or
essential oil of lemon eucalyptus as it has not been tested. (The
percent of DEET relates to the length of time it lasts.)
Repellents can be used on children over two months old (according to
the American Academy of Pediatrics) however some references
recommend use in those over two years old. Oil of lemon eucalyptus
products should not be used in children under three years old,
according to their labels.
- It is always prudent to wash repellents off the skin when you
return indoors. Do not apply excessive amounts. Do not apply on
broken or damaged skin. You can try applying repellent to clothing,
but be sure to wash clothes before wearing them again. Do not use
DEET under your clothes. Do not spray DEET in an enclosed area or
near food. Do not allow young children self-apply repellents. Note:
most adverse reactions from insect repellents come from misuse
of the product!
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and at dusk when most
mosquitoes are most active.
- When outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants when you can.
- Cover the arms and legs of children playing outdoors nears
swampy areas. Cover playpens and carriages with mosquito netting.
- Avoid camping overnight near freshwater swamps. Mosquitoes are
most active there. When you do go camping, be sure that your tent is
equipped with mosquito netting.
- Be sure doors and windows screens are tight fitting and in good
repair.
- Around the home, eliminate standing water sources, which
are defined as anything that can hold water, from a small dish to a
large puddle.
- Fix holes in screens and make sure that they fit tightly. Repair
leaky pipes and outdoor dripping faucets. Clean clogged gutters.
- Check at local garden centers and hardware stores for mosquito
breeding prevention products. There are many safe and effective
products on the market.
Remember, mosquitoes stick around until the fall. In fact, most
identified cases of infection occurred in late summer. So use PPM until
the first sustained (3 consecutive days) frost.
Also keep in mind, that a dead bird is not a cause for panic. Just as
we will most likely see infected mosquitoes, we will also see some bird
deaths. You do not get West Nile from a dead bird. You get it from an
infected mosquito through a bite.
For a free information packet on reducing mosquito
populations, repellents, and West Nile, District residents
(Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you
can request information online
or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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