Mosquito Season Information

Exceprts from Ministry of Health pamphlet "It's mosquito season"

It's that time of year again

Nice weather in Ontario also means the start of mosquito season. Mosquitoes are usually just considered a nuisance, and bites are uncomfortable, but a small percentage cause infections that can lead to serious illnesses, such as the West Nile Virus.
Children, people who have chronic illnesses and the elderly should be especially aware.
Protect yourself and your family by following these simple steps-cover up and avoid mosquito bites. It's the best prevention.

The West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can very rarely cause encephalitis. The virus was named after the West Nile region of Uganda, where the virus first appeared in 1937. The risk of becoming seriously ill as a result of infection with West Nile Virus is low and most people who become infected experience no symptoms or have very mild illness.

How is the virus spread?

West Nile Virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting an infected bird. The virus is not spread by person to person contact. It cannot be spread directly from a bird to a human.

Use insect repellent

Consider using a personal insect repellent. Use only products that are federally-regulated such as those that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30% for adults and no greater than 10% for children. Check the label for more detailed information or ask our pharmacist for assistance. Follow directions for use carefully.

Keep these other tips in mind, too, when using insect repellent:

Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin surfaces or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing. The repellent doesn't have to be applied heavily to be effective-a light coating will do.

• Do not use repellent on open wounds, or if skin is irritated or sunburned. Do not get in eyes-if this happens, rinse with water right away.

• Wash skin with soap and water when you return indoors or when protection is no longer needed.

• Avoid breathing mist from a spray-type repellent. Always apply in a well-ventilated area; never apply spray repellent inside a tent. Do not use near food.

• Check for sensitivity-apply repellent to a small area of skin on the arm and wait for 24hr before use.

• Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Additional tips on DEET for children:

Heatlh Canada advises the DEET-containing repellents are not to be used on children under 6 months or age. It recommends that, where there is a high risk of complications to the child from insect bites, DEET may be considered for children aged 6 months to 2 years. Use sparingly, avoid the face and hands, apply only once a day, and use only the least concentrated product (10% or less). Health Canada also advises not to apply DEET more than three times a day to children between 2-12 years of age. For further information, call your doctor and see Health Canada's web-page.

How to tell if a mosquito bite is serious

Most mosquito bites cause itching and minor irritation. A small percentage can lead to serious infections, such as West Nile Virus. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical help right away:

• Fever

• Muscle weakness

• Stiff neck

• Confusion

• Severe headache

• Sudden sensitivity to light

Extreme swelling or infection at the site of the mosquito bite is another reason to seek medical attention.

For more information please call the Ministry of Health INFOline at: 1-800-268-1154 / 416-314-5518 or contact your local health unit.

Visit the website at http://www.health.gov.on.ca