The OMA has researched the issue of avoiding mosquito bites altogether and
found that the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States has comprehensive
and reliable information on avoidance approaches which we support. This information
is available on their West Nile Prevention page at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm#prevention.
The chance that any one person becoming ill from a mosquito bite is very
low, but to further reduce your chances of infection you can avoid mosquito
bites by doing the following:
Apply insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
when you're outdoors. For details on when and how to apply repellent the
CDC has considerable information about insect repellents and their safe
use including information on alternatives and using repellents on children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that a cautious approach
is to use products with a low concentration of DEET, 10% or less, on children
aged 2 - 12.
When possible, wear light-coloured, long-sleeves and long pants treated
with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite
through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly
to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray
repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which
are peak mosquito biting times. Ensuring that window screens are properly
in place and doors are closed will help keep mosquitoes out of indoor
environments.
