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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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June 15, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Not Gone and Not Forgotten!
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Spring brings the annual
parade of bugs. Although West Nile Virus has not been in the forefront
of the news, it is still a part of our environment. Therefore you need
to continue with precautions this season as you have for the last
several seasons. While public health surveillance is no longer
collecting data about dead birds (because we know the virus is present
in the community) this does not mean that you should forget about
protecting yourself against mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes are pests that can carry disease. These insects need water
for their eggs to hatch and develop. Wherever stagnant (standing) water
collects, mosquitoes will breed. It takes one week for a mosquito to
grow from an egg to an adult. Water which stands without circulation can
produce a crop of mosquitoes in just a few days! If you eliminate
standing sources of water around your home, you will inhibit mosquito
reproduction, which will result in a decrease of adult mosquitoes in
your back yard.
You may know that the barrel you use to collect rainwater is standing
water. But there are also lots of other places where mosquitoes can
breed. Check your yard for mosquito breeding grounds. Such places can
include: Old bottles, cans, wheelbarrows, cisterns, watering cans, paint
cans, and buckets; Ornamental ponds without fish or filtration; Flower
pot dishes; Swimming pool and boat covers; Poorly maintained pools; Tree
holes and stumps; Lawns and fields that are over-irrigated; Children's
wading pool; Bird baths; and old tires (a favorite breeding ground for
mosquitoes.) Any puddle that doesn't go away can breed a crop of
mosquitoes. Clogged gutters are another favorite place for breeding. To
minimize reproduction of mosquitoes, homeowners should be sure gutters
are clean and leaky faucets and pipes joints are repaired.
Homeowners can use mosquito dunks (purchased at local garden and
hardware stores) to treat stagnant water that cannot easily be
eliminated. They contain an environmentally safe bacterial larvacide,
known as Bti. Dunks look like doughnuts or are sold in bricks or
granular form. Follow the directions on the product label.
Decreasing mosquitoes in your backyard will increase your comfort level.
You should also know that regulations regarding standing water will are
enforced due to the concern about West Nile Virus. If you have standing
water, drain it and/or treat it before your neighbor complains.
You should also use Personal Protective Measures (PPM) throughout the
summer and until the cold weather returns as it will reduce your chances
of contracting West Nile .
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.
For a free information packet on West Nile Virus, repellent use and
“pest” protection, District resident can call QVHD, 203 248-4528 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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