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By
Catherine M. Pruissen
Once nothing more thank a pesky insect, mosquitoes
are now a public enemy, spreading the sometimes deadly
West Nile Virus and other diseases to unsuspecting
outdoor enthusiasts, young and old.
According
to the Centers for Disease Control, there were 49
cases of West Nile
Virus last year in children aged 0 to 9 and 81 cases
in children aged 10-19.
While
the most serious cases of WNV occur in seniors, children
are nonetheless susceptible to the disease. Fortunately,
most children who get the virus will have only a mild
illness. Children with weak immune systems or who
already have a serious illness are most at risk of
becoming very sick.
Children
playing outdoors during the daytime hours are at minimal
risk for exposure, as the mosquitoes that most commonly
carry West Nile Virus are generally more active during
the early evening and early morning hours.
To
protect children from exposure to the virus carrying
mosquitos, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends
the following ways to avoid insect bites:
- Wear
long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors.
- Avoid
places where mosquitoes breed and live, like standing
water.
- Stay
inside when mosquitoes are most active: dawn, dusk,
early evening.
- Use
insect repellent, such as DEET, which keeps flies
and mosquitoes away. Not all products have the same
concentration, or amount, of DEET. This amount is
expressed as a percentage, such as 10% DEET.
Parents
are naturally concerned about using insect repellents
on very young children. In their Caring for Kids resource
sheet, Insect
repellents for children, the CPA offers the
following suggestions:
-
When using insect repellent on children, always
apply it for them.
- Always
read the entire label before using.
- Apply
the product lightly. Don’t use more than you need.
- Do
not apply on irritated or sunburned skin.
- Apply
it only on top of clothing or to skin that is showing.
- Don’t
use it under clothes.
- Do
not get it in eyes. If you do get insect repellent
in your eyes, rinse with water right away.
- If
you are spraying, be careful not to breathe it.
- Always
spray products in a place that is well ventilated.
- Don’t
spray it in a tent, or near food.
- Don’t
spray children’s hands. They’ll be less likely to
get it into their eyes or mouth.
- When
you don’t need the protection anymore, wash the
skin with soap and water.
- If
you think your child is having a reaction to the
product, wash the skin and get medical help right
away. Take the container with you so the doctor
knows what you used.
Children
under 6 months old:
- Do
not use insect repellents with DEET on infants.
Although there is no known hazard to breastfed infants,
nursing mothers may wish to consider DEET alternatives,
such as using protective clothing and avoiding exposure
to insects (see above).
- Products
containing citronella or lavender oil should not
be used on infants.
Children
aged 6 months to 2 years:
- If
there is a high risk of complications from insect
bites (for example, an area where there are reports
of West Nile virus), you can use products with DEET
only once a day.
- Use
a product with the least available concentration:
10% DEET or less. Although there is no known hazard
to breastfed infants, nursing mothers may wish to
consider DEET alternatives, such as using protective
clothing and avoiding exposure to insects (see above).
- Products
containing citronella or lavender oil should not
be used. Use just a little bit of the product.
- Don’t
apply it to the child’s face or hands. It’s best
not to use the product for a long time.
Children
between 2 and 12 years old:
- Use
a product with no more than 10% DEET.
- Do
not apply more than 3 times a day.
- Do
not apply to the child’s face or hands. It’s best
not to use the product for a long time.
Resources:
Insect
repellents for children, Caring for Kids,
Canadian Paediatric Society.
Insect
repellents for children, Caring for Kids,
Canadian Paediatric Society.
Safety
Tips on Using Personal Insect Repellents,
Health Canada brochure.
Neato
Mosquito A West Nile Virus curriculum for
teachers The Calgary
Health Region has produced a curriculum guide
and power point presentation to help educate students
about mosquitoes and issues related to West Nile Virus.
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