Latest news with #Picaridin
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Mosquito-borne West Nile virus found in Tazewell County
MORTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Officials have confirmed a mosquito pool collected in Tazewell County has tested positive for West Nile virus. The pool was reportedly collected on Tuesday, June 10 in Morton before being tested on Wednesday at the Tazewell County Health Department. According to the Tazewell County Health Department, West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people who are infected do not experience symptoms, but if symptoms are present, mild cases may cause a slight fever or headache. The Tazewell County Health Department said more severe cases may result in a fast-developing high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and in some severe cases, paralysis or death. The health department also said symptoms typically happen from three to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. People 60 years or older are at the highest risk for serious illness associated with West Nile Virus. While the pool was collected in Morton, anyone within the area are urged to use precautions. The department conducts regular testing of mosquito pools throughout Tazewell County and encourages residents to do what they can to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus. The health department encourages residents to follow 'The 3 R's for Protecting Against Mosquitoes': Reduce: Reduce the number of mosquitoes by reporting eliminating instances ofstanding water (water that has sat in the same spot for more than 7-10 days). These areasare breeding grounds for mosquitoes and for West Nile Virus. This can include keepingoutdoor trash cans closed so they do not fill with rainwater; getting rid of old tires, tincans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any other water-holding containers; and emptying plasticwading pools at least once a week and storing indoors when not in use. Repel: Repel mosquitoes by using the proper insect repellent. Use a repellent containingDEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When possible, avoid being outdoors fromdusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active. If you are outside during thesetimes, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and long-sleeved tops and long pants made oftightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Report: Report instances of standing water that have sat for more than 7-10 days. Toreport standing water in Tazewell County, head to TCHD's standing water report form. For more information on West Nile virus, you can visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Mosquito bites are irritating at best and vectors for disease at worst. Depending on what country you are in, they can transmit malaria, dengue fever, West Nile, yellow fever and Zika, among other maladies. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. As global temperatures rise, mosquito season is getting longer in many parts of the United States. And, some people are magnets for mosquitoes. (It may be because of how you smell.) The good news is that there are a range of insect repellents and essential oils that you can spread or spray on your skin - and some are more effective than others. The Washington Post asked mosquito experts about the best ways to prevent bites - and whether things like citronella candles help at all. Here's what they said. - - - What is the most effective mosquito repellent? Mosquito experts say the 'gold standard' for preventing bug bites is DEET, a synthetic repellent developed 80 years ago to help the U.S. Army keep mosquitoes away. Despite reassurance from experts about its safety, some people aren't comfortable spraying DEET on themselves, on their children or while pregnant. (DEET can be found in some of the most common bug sprays on the market. Check the label.) In the 1980s and '90s, there were reports of adverse health effects in children and adults after they ingested or repeatedly used DEET. But subsequent studies have found that DEET presents little to no risk when used as instructed. 'If you use this stuff as the directions say, your risk is minuscule of anything negative happening to you, and we've been using this thing for a long time,' said Jeffrey R. Bloomquist, a retired professor formerly at the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers DEET to be safe and effective even for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents use DEET 'sparingly' on children younger than 2 years old. - - - What if I'm not comfortable using DEET? The EPA has a list of active ingredients that have been found to be safe and effective as skin-applied insect repellents. Look for products that have an EPA registration number on the label. Picaridin, another synthetic repellent registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, has been found to be as effective - or even more effective - at repelling mosquitoes as the same concentration of DEET. And, experts say picaridin doesn't have the oily feeling or odor some brands of DEET can have. Those who aren't comfortable applying DEET directly to their skin can spray it on their clothing instead, particularly the cuffs of long-sleeved shirts and pants, said Chris Adigun, a board-certified dermatologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Just note that the repellent should not be applied under clothing, and it can damage some plastics and synthetic materials. For those who want a naturally-derived bug repellent, the EPA has registered products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). But, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend oil of lemon eucalyptus for children younger than 3. - - - How long do repellents last? EPA-registered repellents will state how long a product will last on the label, said Scott Carroll, president of Carroll-Loye Biological Research, an insect-repellent testing laboratory. And, he said those are the result of 'carefully conducted' science. 'The registered ones have data behind them that are backing them up,' Carroll said. - - - Do essential oils repel mosquitoes? There is some evidence that certain essential oils can protect against mosquitoes. But there isn't enough research regarding how long these last and how the products stack up against EPA-registered repellents. In one study, researchers tested 20 essential oils against both ticks and mosquitoes and found that clove oil was the most effective against mosquito bites, with a complete protection time of nearly two hours, while cinnamon oil protected for about 80 minutes. 'There is repellency in certain essential oils,' said Whitney Qualls, the assistant director of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District in St. Augustine, Florida. But the total protection time an essential oil provides can vary from product to product and even within the same product when companies source from different suppliers, Qualls said. 'If you are in an area where you have mosquito-borne disease transmission and that is your concern, you should wear a repellent that has an EPA-registered active ingredient,' Qualls said. For the essential oil experiments, the researchers mixed one part essential oil with nine parts lotion and applied the repellent directly to the skin. But many store-bought products typically use about a 5 percent (or less) concentration of essential oils, said Immo Hansen, senior author of the study and a professor of biology at New Mexico State University who studies disease vectors. These small concentrations may not be as effective. Check with your physician or your children's pediatrician before using products containing essential oils. And don't try to make your own repellent. Certain oils may not be safe for frequent and long-term use on skin, Carroll said. 'It's important that essential oils not be regarded strictly as benign,' he said. 'They won't be for all individuals.' - - - What about ultrasonic or other devices? Wearable ultrasonic devices are rarely successful at repelling mosquitoes, according to Daniel Markowski, technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association. Bug zappers are exceptionally good at electrocuting bugs - but not mosquitoes. Markowski said the 'more effective' devices rely on a repellent. Anyone can buy what's known as a spatial repellent, which releases a vapor containing a compound like metofluthrin, for example. But, Markowski said 'unless that vaporized repellent encompasses your entire body, they're just going to bite you on the leg versus the hand.' A simple fan could ward off mosquitoes, Makowski said. But, the fan has to be on a pretty high setting to push away mosquitoes that are flying against the wind. And, 'if you've got a fan that that's strong, you're getting blown in the face,' he said. And while some studies suggest that citronella candles may help a little, they are not as effective as other methods for warding off mosquitoes. One study found a citronella candle had no effect on the insects. 'If you're one of those individuals mosquitoes absolutely love - they're always going to find you out in the field - then you probably need a little bit stronger repellent,' Markowski said. - - - What else can I do to prevent mosquito bites? Make sure all window screens in your home are in good shape and have a proper seal. Conduct perimeter checks outside your home to make sure there's no standing water, debris or empty containers that could serve as homes for mosquitoes. Try to limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk - when mosquitoes are most active. When you're outside, cover up. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against mosquitoes, ticks and other insects. Mosquito nets are also a good option to protect babies - just drape them over the stroller, for instance. - - - When should I be concerned about a mosquito bite? When a mosquito bites, people often have a 'localized reaction,' with redness and potential swelling, said Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at George Washington University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The mark from a mosquito bite is the skin's reaction to the cocktail of proteins and enzymes in the insect's saliva - including an anesthetic to keep the host from feeling any pain and an anticoagulant to keep the blood flowing. If the bug bite doesn't go away or gets worse after two to three days, contact your doctor, Siegel said. West Nile virus is the 'most widespread' mosquito-borne virus in the United States, Siegel said. Most people infected who are infected 'aren't even aware' they have it and experience no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people with West Nile virus develop a fever, headache, body aches or a rash, among other symptoms, according to the CDC. But Siegel said we're seeing more cases of other 'equally concerning' infections, such as Dengue fever, among U.S. travelers who became infected abroad. People who experience flu-like symptoms after a mosquito bite should contact their physician. Related Content Divided House GOP tries to push Trump's tax bill over the finish line As Trump cuts science budgets, some researchers look abroad An isolated, angry Fetterman is yet another challenge for Democrats
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Brits urged to do one thing after applying sunscreen on holiday in popular spots
This step could protect against dengue fever, which has been reported in several tourist hotspots. British holidaymakers planning to visit several popular destinations this summer have been advised to take an essential step after applying sunscreen. This measure is aimed at protecting against dengue fever, with the risk of the disease being recently updated. Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, can manifest as a mild ailment but can lead to severe complications and even death. Traditionally, dengue has been confined to tropical regions, but there is concern that its geographic range could widen worldwide due to climatic changes. Travel Health Pro, a website providing health advice for travellers, has stated that "sporadic" cases of dengue have been reported in some tourist hotspots. The National Travel Health Network and Centre, alongside the UK Health Security Agency, have re-evaluated their guidance for countries where dengue is a risk. Countries reporting isolated dengue cases include Australia, Croatia, France, Italy, Madeira, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the USA. Even in light of these instances, there are no vaccination requirements for those travelling to these locations. Despite the lack of vaccine requirements, Travel Health Pro said: "All travellers visiting areas reporting dengue cases or anywhere dengue is thought to be present are at risk of infection." For individuals heading to these affected zones, the recommendation from the site is to apply insect repellent after putting on sunscreen and to reapply it if swimming. "Insect repellent should be applied after sunscreen and regularly reapplied following any activities, including swimming," it recommended. This is one way to decrease your likelihood of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Travel Health Pro highlighted that insect repellents containing 50 per cent DEET are currently the most effective. These can be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children from two months old. However, if DEET isn't suitable, alternative insect repellents containing Icaridin (Picaridin); Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclized; or 3-ethlyaminopropionate should be used. It further suggested: "Reduce your risk of all insect-spread illnesses, including dengue, by wearing long-sleeved tops and long trousers and applying insect repellent regularly. "If you are staying with friends or family, minimise mosquito breeding sites around the home by eliminating any stagnant water in plant pots, gutters, drains and rubbish. Insecticide-treated bed and cot nets provide good protection against mosquito bites when sleeping." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised that the incidence of dengue has increased "dramatically" worldwide in recent years. It states: "The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries in the WHO Regions of Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. "The Americas, South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions are the most seriously affected, with Asia accounting for around 70 percent of the global disease burden. Dengue is spreading to new areas in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and South America." In 2023, a record number of dengue cases were reported. The WHO commented: "The WHO Region of the Americas reported 4.5 million cases, with 2,300 deaths. A high number of cases were also reported in Asia: Bangladesh (321,000), Malaysia (111,400), Thailand (150,000), and Vietnam (369,000)." Symptoms Dengue fever symptoms include a viral illness that is transmitted from infected Aedes mosquitoes to humans. While many individuals may not show any symptoms, severe cases can be life-threatening. According to the WHO, common symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Other signs to watch out for are: Pain behind the eyes Muscle and joint pains Vomiting Swollen glands. Recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks, but severe dengue can necessitate hospitalisation and, in rare instances, can lead to death. Severe dengue symptoms encompass: Severe abdominal pain Persistent vomiting Rapid breathing Bleeding gums or nose Fatigue Restlessness Blood in vomit or stool Extreme thirst Pale and cold skin Weakness.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Prepared for those Louisiana mosquitoes? How to keep your family safe from spring bites
With spring here, and summer around the corner, mosquitoes will be running (buzzing?) rampant in Louisiana. Mosquitoes in Louisiana aren't just nuisances, they're also health hazards, as mosquitos can spread diseases like West Nile and Zika. However, there are ways you can combat mosquito populations here in Louisiana. In order to prevent mosquitoes in Louisiana, a few actions that are recommended include eliminating breeding grounds, using effective repellents and wearing protective clothing. Regularly drain standing water Maintain decorative water features Use mosquito dunks in water bodies Keep gutters clean and unclogged Apply mosquito larvicides appropriately Landscape to prevent water accumulation Encourage natural predators in the garden Cover water storage containers Conduct regular inspections and clean-ups The most effective mosquito repellents are EPA-registered repellents, with products containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. As for protective clothing, covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and pants will help to prevent mosquito bites. Also, mosquitoes are less attracted to light colors, so, wearing light-colored clothing should be considered. Another way to repel mosquitoes in Louisiana is by planting aromatic plants, which bugs hate, in gardens. Aromatic plants that naturally repel mosquitos include: Citronella Marigolds Lavender Catnip Geranium Lemongrass Rosemary Allium Eucalyptus Peppermint Floss Flower Bee Balm Lemon Balm Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Don't get bit! The best ways to prevent mosquitoes in Louisiana
