We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics.
—Bill Vaughan

Warmer weather brings with it flying creatures that can dampen our summer fun. Concerns over mosquitoes and deer ticks have risen in the last few years due to the increased publicity about West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

And although we read and see a lot about these diseases in the media, their incidences are actually quite rare.

West Nile virus is spread through a bite from an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms. But about 20 percent of people will develop headache, fatigue or abdominal pain.

Less than one percent of all people infected will develop meningitis or encephalitis (inflam-mation of the brain and surrounding fluid). The risk of developing these complications are more common in patients over 50 years old.

A bite from a deer tick carrying the germ Borrelia burgdorferi is the cause of Lyme disease in humans. Typical symptoms of Lyme disease include headache, fever, chills, muscle aches and a red rash that occurs at the site of the tick bite and may grow in size. Fatigue and joint pain are possible long-term complications from non-treated Lyme disease.

The most effective all-purpose insect repellant is DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). This is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, fleas and biting flies.

In the past there has been some concern about the safety of DEET. However, when used properly, repellants with a low percentage of DEET are safe. The reported cases of DEET toxicity have occurred when DEET was used inappropriately or swallowed in large amounts. It is recommended that DEET be applied to the skin one time per day.

The concentration of DEET in most consumer products ranges from 10 to 30 percent. The higher the concentration of DEET, the longer the duration of activity.

Products that combine DEET and a sunscreen should not be used because a sunscreen needs to be applied repeatedly and repeated application of DEET may increase its potential side effects. The maximum concentration of DEET recommended for infants and children two months and older and children is 30 percent.

In order to prevent adverse reactions from DEET:

• Do not apply to infants younger than two months of age.

• Do not use products containing more than 30 percent DEET for children.

• Apply repellants only to exposed skin and/or clothing.

• Apply only the concentration of DEET that will cover the amount of time you plan to spend outdoors.

• Never use repellants over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.

• Do not apply to eyes and mouth; use sparingly around ears.

• After returning indoors, wash skin with soap and water.

Other tips for preventing insect bites include:

• Avoid use of scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.

• Avoid areas were insects nest or congregate such as stagnant pools of water and uncovered foods.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.

• Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.

Follow these tips and avoid being “bugged” this summer.
—Danielle Semling PA-C