SAFETY WHEN USING DEET

Greater risk for those outdoors a lot.

People who spend a lot of time outdoors are more likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito. They should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.Children, people with illness and people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall.

“We know that West Nile virus is more prevalent in the County now than it’s ever been before,” said Gary Erbeck, director of the County Department of Environmental Health. "It’s important that County residents take precautionary measures to avoid getting mosquito bites and acquiring the virus.”

Fight the Bite!

Insect repellants are great tools to help protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your repellant:

• Before using DEET, please read and follow product instructions

• When buying an insect repellant, make sure it contains one of the following ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

• Apply insect repellant every time you go outdoors. A backyard breeding source in your neighborhood means you can be bit just walking out to get the mail, or sitting out in your backyard at night.

• Read the repellant label and follow the directions.

• Apply repellant to all exposed skin and on top of clothing.

• Sunscreen and repellant may both be used at the same time.

• DO NOT apply repellant on the hands of young children; avoid applying to areas around the eyes and mouth.

• DO NOT use repellant on children under 2 months old.

• DEET should not be used in a product that combines the repellent with a sunscreen.

• Apply DEET sparingly on exposed skin; do not use under clothing.

• Do not use DEET over cuts, wounds or irritated skin. Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors; wash treated clothing.

• Avoid spraying in enclosed areas; do not use DEET near food.

Please contact your physician if you have additional questions about insect repellants.

Fight The Bite!

• USE MOSQUITO REPELLENTS CONTAINING:

* DEET

* Picaridin ......

* Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

* IR3535 (Chemical Name: 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester)

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Salud + Health Info is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family’s physician or health provider immediately and do not try and diagnose yourself.Copyright © 2001-2008 Info Option Network