Malady Caused By Mosquitoes Is Increasing: Here's How To Keep Yourself Safe.
Not all mosquitoes are merely an annoyance. We are reminded by recent headlines that they can also pose a major health risk.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but potentially fatal disease, has closed several public parks in New England and claimed one life in New Hampshire. In the meantime, the West Nile virus, another illness spread by mosquitoes, is healing for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s previous foremost authority on infectious diseases.
Because of rising temperatures and other variables, researchers claim that mosquito-borne illnesses are becoming more common in the United States, Central and South America, and Europe. Although the West Nile virus is still the most prevalent in the United States, there are a number of other mosquito-borne diseases to be concerned about, such as Zika, malaria, and dengue.
Dr. Angelle Desiree LaBeaud, an epidemiologist specializing in insect-borne diseases and a pediatric infectious diseases professor at Stanford University, adds, “Fortunately, you prevent them a lot the same way for humans.”
What you should know to shield yourself from a mosquito bite that could be contagious is provided below.
Disguise
If a mosquito cannot bite you, it cannot infect you. Therefore, you should stay indoors during the hours of nightfall to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of Baylor College of Medicine’s National School of Tropical Medicine in Houston, Texas, advises wearing long sleeves and pants if you want to be outside during these periods. This will reduce the amount of exposed skin that mosquitoes can bite.
Despite living on the Gulf Coast, where summers can be oppressively hot, Hotez claims he always wears full body coverage when he goes outside in the morning or evening
In reality, I’m wearing a cap, sweatpants, sneakers, socks, and a long-sleeve hoodie. Naturally, since everyone is wearing shorts and it’s so hot outside, people think I’m insane. However, it keeps him from being bitten.
Apply insect repellant
Insect repellent, according to Hotez, is also applied to the exposed flesh of his neck, cheeks, back, and palms.
Using insect repellents certified with the Environmental Protection Agency, such as DEET, picaridin, and IR3535, is advised by the CDC.
The CDC states that para-menthane-diol (PMD) and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective, but they shouldn’t be given to kids younger than three.
Additionally, you can apply permethrin, an insect repellent, to your clothing. Simply avoid getting it on your skin. Pet owners should use caution when using permethrin, as it might be hazardous to cats. A video from the CDC explains how to use it correctly.
Remember to also protect children.
When you’re in a location where bug bites are a concern, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises applying insect repellent to children as well.
Although some parents are hesitant, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that DEET is acceptable for use on children as long as it is applied once daily and in a formulation that contains no more than 30% DEET.
The organization of pediatricians advises against purchasing products that mix insect repellent and sunscreen for children and instead suggests utilizing insect repellents in the form of sticks, lotions, and unpressurized sprays.
Avoid spraying children’s faces directly. Alternatively, the AAP advises applying repellant on your own hands before rubbing it on the child’s face. Additionally, since small children frequently put their hands in their mouths or eyes, avoid applying repellant to their hands.
Kids should wear long sleeves and pants to minimize the quantity of bug repellant they require, just like adults. Additionally, the CDC advises covering infants in strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
Adults can benefit from mosquito netting as well, particularly if they sleep outside.
Verify your screens and remove any remaining water.
According to LaBeaud and Hotez, mosquitoes like breeding in standing water, so it’s crucial to empty any containers that can attract them. Examples of such containers are empty flower pots and kids’ toy buckets.
That also applies indoors, according to Hotez, particularly if you’re leaving the door open for a time to allow the dog outside, for example. Additionally, remember to inspect the screens on your windows and doors for any gaps or snags that could allow mosquitoes to enter.
Make a mosquito control call.
According to LaBeaud, if you notice a lot of mosquito activity on your property and are unsure of the source, you can contact your local mosquito control district, and they will send someone out to look into the matter and assist with treatment.
LaBeaud is glad that mosquito prevention is receiving more attention now because, as she points out, “Mosquitoes are not always harmless” and because they kill more people than any other animal on the planet.
Nevertheless, she says, she wants people to “just recognize that they could have a health impact” and take preventative measures rather than being afraid.
