News Release: METROPOLITAN WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE 08/26/02

Contact:
Saint Louis County Department of Health:
     Mike Williams, Ph.D., Manager, Communicable Disease Control, 314-615-1630
     Ron Twillman, Manager, Vector Control and Veterinary Services, 314-615-8351
St. Charles County Department of Health: Gil Copley, Director, 636-949-7477
Jefferson County Department of Health: Dennis Diehl, Director, 636-942-3101 x104
Franklin County Department of Health: Conn Roden, Director, 636-583-7300
City of St. Louis: Ellen Ellick, 314-612-5143

Insect repellents containing DEET can cut the risk of West Nile virus

August 26, 2002 - West Nile virus (WNV) has come to town, and using insect repellents containing DEET can reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes carrying the virus. DEET is the commercial name for the chemical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, the active ingredient in many insect repellents. (Active ingredients are sometimes listed on the front of the can). As always, be a careful label reader. Look for concentrations of about 25% for adults, and less that 10% for children. Reapply if time spent outdoors is longer than the label indicates it is effective.

To safely use products containing DEET, be sure to follow the instructions on the product label, and keep these tips in mind.

• Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Don't apply repellent to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection.
  
• Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
  
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
  
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.
  
• Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.
  
• When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears.
  
• Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children tend to put their hands in their mouths.)
  
• Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. Keep repellents out of reach of children.
  
• Do not apply repellent to skin under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing, wash treated clothing before wearing again.
  

In addition to using insect repellents, avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, and wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Empty or throw out any containers that may have collected water. Remove tires, buckets, and other water-holding objects. Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools or drain and cover if not in use. Prevent water from accumulating in pool covers. Unclog gutters and down spouts. Make sure screens fit tightly in doors and windows.

Most individuals, even if bitten by an infected mosquito, won't become seriously ill or even experience any symptoms. However, people over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are likely to be at higher risk. Anyone with a weakened immune system (due to diabetes, AIDS, cancer, or other chronic health problems) should avoid exposure to possible sources of infection, including WNV. Anyone in these higher risk groups should be especially careful to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Most human infections are mild. Less than 1% of people who get bitten by an infected mosquito get severely ill. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and, rarely, death.

For more information on West Nile virus, log on to www.scchealth.org and click on West Nile virus.

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