Wednesday, July 30, 2003

Tips to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illness

Warm temperatures allow families to enjoy fun outdoor activities, but whether camping in a national park or barbecuing on the back deck, it's important that warm weather plans include protection against insects like mosquitoes. Not only can these pesky bugs leave arms and legs itchy and red, they can spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, which infected more than 4,000 Americans in 2002.

"While the chance of becoming seriously ill from a mosquito-borne illness is low, it's a risk that still exists and a threat that can be more significant to children and the elderly," said Paul Beahm, vice president of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "However, one can prevent infection by taking a few precautionary steps like using a good insect repellent."

Beahm offers the following tips to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses:

After a rainstorm, eliminate the standing water that has collected in places such as pool covers, old tires, buckets, flowerpots, toys, and birdbaths.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs and saunas. If they are not in use, empty them and keep them covered.

Use an insect repellent containing deet. Spray formulas, such as Ultrathon Repellent or Deep Woods Off, allow easy application to hard-to-reach areas such as the back of legs.

Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug lights.

Light insect-fighting candles, such as those containing citronella, during outdoor gatherings.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and hats to minimize the areas of exposed skin. Spritz clothing with a bug spray like Cutter Backwoods, another repellant containing deet.

Inspect screen doors and windows for holes so mosquitoes can't get inside.

Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, or anytime in the evening when mosquito activity is the highest. *Watch for sick and dying birds the main reservoir for West Nile Virus and report them to the local health department.

Stay inside at night if there is a warning of mosquito-borne disease in effect.

You should also be aware of the symptoms of West Nile Virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. Seek medical advice if these signs or symptoms appear.

Many products that help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses are reasonably priced and can be found at most discount retailers, like Wal-Mart stores.