Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: What They Are and How to Prevent Them

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, an outbreak of the West Nile virus had people reaching for the mosquito repellant in droves, as the brief epidemic resulted in 18 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Then, in 2002, a total of 284 fatalities were reported, spurring much public concern over the infection.
 
Vaccines, mosquito control and better treatment have vastly lowered the death rate of the West Nile virus, however, it remains a significant concern, especially for people whose immune systems are compromised or who are very young, very old or pregnant.
 
Symptoms of the virus include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pain, rash, sore throat and vomiting. In more severe cases, confusion, loss of consciousness, weakness, neck stiffness and low sensation in one arm or leg may also occur.
 
Preventing mosquito-borne illnesses
 
It probably seems intuitive that keeping pesky mosquitoes away will help prevent the viruses that these insects carry, and your intuition would be correct.
 
Bug repellant that contains the chemicals DEET or picaridin can do a lot to keep mosquitoes at bay. If you're concerned about exposing your family to these chemicals, keep in mind that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has deemed them safe for kids of all ages when used properly. That means you'll need to read the label and follow instructions carefully; don't let children handle the repellants.
 
If you prefer an option with fewer chemicals, you may use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant-based repellant that has been shown to be as effective as products with low concentrations of DEET but should not be used for children under age 3. There are also herbal substitutes that contain bug-fighting citronella, but these may not be as long-lasting.

You and your family should wear long sleeves and pants when in mosquito-dense areas. Products containing permethrin may be applied to clothing, shoes or camping gear to keep mosquitoes and other insects away. It should not be applied directly to your skin.

If your yard has a lot of mosquitoes, you may consider getting a barrier spray treatment done during the outdoor months. These treatments may use sprays containing a broad-spectrum pesticide or a natural repellant like garlic juice, so be sure to ask what the active ingredient is. Most barrier sprays will keep mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, gnats and some other insects away for about three to four weeks.

When outdoors, avoid going near pools of standing water, because stagnant water tends to be a breeding ground for the insects. If you have containers in your yard that can collect standing water, such as buckets or watering cans, be sure to empty them after it rains.
 
Parents may also ask their health care providers about vaccinations against mosquito-borne conditions, as well as obtain tips on what to do when a serious virus is suspected. When in doubt, see medical care.