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Mosquitoes are Still in Summer Mode

While it may seem like summer is over, there will be plenty of warm days in September and October. This means that mosquitoes will continue to thrive until there is a sustained period of cold (frost for at least a few consecutive days.) Therefore, it is critical to remember that while you may be out of "summer mode", mosquitoes are not! Given the opportunity, mosquitoes will bite. And since we know of at least one case of West Nile occurring within our district towns, it is certainly prudent to take measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites. This is especially important for older persons. The majority of people exposed to this virus do not become ill. For most of those who do become ill, a mild illness occurs, which may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or a skin rash. Less frequently, people develop severe illness of the nervous system that can also include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Persons older than 50 years of age are more likely than younger persons to suffer more severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile virus. However, older persons (and those in poor health) tend to be the ones who develop the most serious symptoms, which can sometimes be life-threatening.

Using Personal Protective Measures (PPM) until the cold weather arrives will reduce your chances of contracting West Nile. This advice has been recommended for several years. Perhaps you think it won't happen to you, but there are human cases in Connecticut. PPM includes:

• Use of an insect repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. The concentration of DEET in a product relates to the length of time it will remain effective. The higher the concentration, the longer it lasts, so choose according to how long you will be outdoors. Wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or damaged skin, the hands of children or on infants less than two months old. Do not spray repellent in an enclosed area or near food. Do not allow young children to 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 is defined as anything that can hold water, from a small dish to a large puddle. Put drain holes in recycling containers.
   
• 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.

For a free information packet on West Nile Virus, repellent use and "pest" protection, 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

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org