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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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September 16, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Summer Not Over For All
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
While it may seem like
summer is over, there will be plenty of warm days in September and
October. Combine this with the fact that we have had a lot of rain. Warm
days and water create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Therefore, this means that mosquitoes will continue to thrive until
there is a sustained period of cold (frost for at least a few
consecutive days.) So it is very important to remember that while you
may be out of “summer mode”, mosquitoes are not!
There have been human cases of West Nile within Connecticut this summer,
along with lots of positive mosquitoes. The potential for the
transmission of this illness is definitely there. If mosquitoes are
given the opportunity, they will bite. Therefore, it is 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. 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 . Perhaps you think it
won't happen to you, but if there are mosquitoes in your yard, you can
contract this illness if you are bitten. 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; to the hands or face 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 resident can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request
on line (contact us) www.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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