HAVE a SAFE SUMMER...WEAR DEET!
Protection from West Nile Virus
Why should you wear insect repellent?
People get West Nile Virus from mosquito bites. The only protection against West Nile Virus is to not get bit by mosquitoes. Insect repellent protects you from mosquito bites.
When should you wear insect repellent?
Whenever you are outdoors, especially at dawn and at sunset - the times that mosquitoes like to feed. The safest decision is to apply repellant whenever you are outdoors.
What kind of insect repellent is recommended?
- Repellent containing DEET is recommended. Please read product directions.
- Do not use a product that combines DEET with sunscreen.
How to apply insect repellent:
- Apply repellent to your clothes and exposed skin.
- Do not wear repellent under your clothes.
- Do not spray repellent at your eyes and face.
- Shower or bathe to remove repellent. Wash clothing with repellent before wearing again.
Special considerations for young children:
- children under the age of 2 months should not wear repellent.
- parents should use their hands to apply repellent to children under the age of 6.
- do not apply repellent to children’s faces or hands.
- Children should not wear DEET in concentrations over 30%. Avoid too frequent applications of DEET - it will increase concentrations to higher levels.
Should you wear insect repellent indoors?
You can wear repellent indoors. Mosquitoes may enter your home through gaps in screens or open windows and doors.
Special precautions:
-Avoid cuts and burns.
-If you get repellent in your eyes, rinse your eyes with cool clean water.
This information is based on the recommendations of: Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov search for West Nile Virus and insect repellant. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/Zoonosis/wnv/westnilefaq.html American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org/family/wnv-jun03.htm
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