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The best way to avoid becoming infected with West Nile Virus is to not get bitten by a mosquito. Your chance of being bitten by a mosquito capable of spreading West Nile Virus is small. However, if there are reports of infected mosquitoes, infected horses or dead birds in the area, you should take immediate action to protect you and your family from mosquito bites.
By taking the following simple precautions, you can lessen your chance of being bitten by a mosquito and reduce your chance of getting West Nile Virus:
- Minimize time spent outside during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- Make sure that your door and window screens fit tightly and do not have holes
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks when you are outdoors
- Wear light coloured clothing made of a tightly woven material
- Refrain from using perfumes, colognes, scented shampoos, conditioners, and deodorant
- Apply an insect repellent that is registered in Canada, ensuring you follow the directions carefully
- Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth and wash your hands thoroughly after application
- Do not use insect repellent on children younger than 6 months
- Do not allow children to apply repellents themselves
Using DEET
DEET is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. The following table outlines the usage guidelines:
| Percentage of DEET |
Approximate Length of Protection (Hours) |
Age Groups |
Applications / Day |
| 30% |
6 |
Over 12 |
Use Sparingly |
| 15% |
5 |
Over 12 |
Use Sparingly |
| 10% |
3 |
2-12 |
3 or Less |
| 10% |
3 |
6 months-2 years |
1 |
| 5% |
2 |
6 months-2 years |
1 |
| Source: Public Health Agency of Canada |
| * DEET should not be applied on children under 6 months of age |
| As the percent of DEET in a repellent increases, only the length of protection increases not the effectiveness of the product. |
Application
- The product must be applied sparingly and must not be applied to the faces of children
- Avoid prolonged use
- Do not apply on wounds or scratches
DEET FREE REPELLENTS (REGISTERED IN CANADA)
| Product |
Active Ingredient |
Protection |
Comments |
| Soy Solution |
Soybean Oil |
1 to 3.5 hours |
Different lengths of protection based on type of product. |
| Citronella |
Citronella Oil |
30 minutes to 2 hours |
Cannot be used on children under two years of age. Also, use of these products may result in allergic reactions in some people. |
| Lavender |
Lavender Oil |
30 minutes |
Cannot be used on children under two years of age. |
| Lemon Eucalyptus |
p-Methane-3,8-Diol |
2 hours |
Cannot be used on children under three years of age. Do not apply more than two times per day. |
| You can also speak to your pharmacist for assistance, or contact the Huron County Health Unit at 519.482.3416 or 1.877.837.6143. |
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