Doctors’ Union Lists Measures to Prevent West Nile Virus

The association said mosquitoes can bite people both day and night and can transmit microorganisms that cause disease through their bites.

It stressed that preventing mosquito bites was an important part of protecting against mosquito-borne diseases and urged the public to take a range of precautions.

Use mosquito repellent

The KTTB recommended using licensed mosquito repellents that have been proven to be effective.

It said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends products registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) containing one of the following active ingredients:

• DEET
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone

The association stressed that users should follow the instructions on product labels, reapply the repellent when necessary and avoid applying it to skin covered by clothing.

Those using sunscreen were advised to apply sunscreen first and mosquito repellent afterwards.

Protect babies and children

The association also highlighted the importance of protecting babies and children from mosquito bites.

It recommended that children wear clothing covering their arms and legs, while baby carriages should be protected with mosquito netting.

When using mosquito repellent on children, the instructions on the product label should be followed. The association specifically warned that products containing OLE or PMD should not be used on children under three years of age.

Repellents should not be applied to children’s hands, eyes, mouths, cuts or irritated skin. If repellent needs to be applied to a child’s face, the association advised adults to first apply it to their own hands and then rub it onto the child’s face.

Wear loose, long clothing

The KTTB advised people to wear loose-fitting, long clothing to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Where possible, it also recommended using clothing and equipment treated with permethrin for protection against mosquitoes.

However, it stressed that products containing permethrin should never be applied directly to the skin.