Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases
By Dr. Chitra Mani, Epidemiologist
Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center

Augusta, Ga. -- Thanks to extra rainfall over the past several months, it's feared that mosquitoes will be more prevalent than ever, thus increasing the likelihood of the spread of mosquito-borne viruses.

West Nile virus is perhaps the most widely known of these viruses, which also include the La Crosse Encephalitis virus, the St. Louis Encephalitis virus and Equine Encephalitis virus (both Eastern and Western versions).

Currently, no effective treatments or vaccines exist to protect people from mosquito-borne diseases, which can be particularly severe in children. Preventing mosquito bites is the best and only option. Parents can take the following steps to protect their children and themselves from these diseases.

• Minimize outdoor activities at dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are most actively feeding
• When participating in outdoor activities during mosquito feeding times, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks to reduce insect bites.
• Studies have shown that insect repellents containing DEET are the most effective in preventing mosquito bites. Repellents containing DEET in concentrations up to 35 percent should be used on exposed skin of adults and may be applied to clothing according to manufacturer's recommendations.
• Do not use insect repellents on infants less than 12 months old. In children older than 12 months, insect repellents containing up to a 10 percent concentration of DEET may be used.
• Do not allow children to apply insect repellent themselves and avoid getting product on their hands, eyes or mouth.
• Apply repellent only to exposed skin or clothing. Do not apply it on the skin under clothing.
• Wash off insect repellent after returning indoors.
• Use tight-fitting window or door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes and keep doors shut at all times.
• Remove, drain or turn over containers that may collect water, such as tires, garbage can lids, plant pots, wheelbarrows, etc.
• Treat birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, etc. to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Call your local environmental protection agency (EPA) for help if you have a heavy mosquito infestation.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit MCGHealth.org.