Healthy Summer Travels: Prevention Tips West Nile

Dear David,

These days bugs are not simply annoying, but potentially dangerous with the potential to carry serious diseases such as West Nile Virus, Lyme disease or even Dengue fever. No longer are these illnesses only a threat to those living or traveling throughout Asia and Africa - they are here in the United States .

Startling numbers:
According to the CDC there were 3,598 cases of West Nile virus reported to the CDC in 2007, including 121 deaths. The number of cases of Lyme disease have doubled since 1991 with more than 21,000 cases reported annually. Even cases of dengue fever have also been detected within the United States with doctors and healthcare workers being warned to stay on the lookout for patients with symptoms of the disease, primarily in southern Texas.

Why the increase?
Increasing international travel, climate change, environmental degradation and changing human migration patterns have all contributed to shifting patterns of insect-borne disease in the United States and abroad.  Some scientists predict a resurgence of tropical diseases such as malaria in zones where the disease had been eradicated such as the southern United States.  As the emergence of West Nile Virus in the United States has demonstrated, infectious and vector-borne diseases know no borders and we should be vigilant about protecting ourselves from these potentially deadly diseases.

Insect-Borne Disease Symptoms & Prevention Tips:
Symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Severe symptoms can include high fever, strong headache, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness and muscle aches, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
Symptoms of Lyme disease?
A characteristic "bull's-eye" rash, fever, malaise, fatigue, headache, as well as muscle and joint aches. Some infected individuals experience only fever, headache, fatigue and muscle pain.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever?
High fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and rash. If there is a rash, it appears 3-5 days after the on-set of the fever - usually in the torso area then spreading to arms, legs, and face.

Prevention Tips
Mosquitoes
1.) Reduce the number of mosquito bites you get by wearing insect repellent apparel such as Insect Shield (www.insectshield.com), and by using topical insect repellents when outdoors.
2.) Protect yourself from dusk to dawn - the prime mosquito biting hours.
3.) Reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by eliminating standing water which acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. (flower pots, children's pools, watering cans, gutters etc.)
4.) Secure window and door screens.
Ticks:
1.) Ticks are not out in the middle of your lawn, they live where yards border wooded areas, or anywhere it is shaded and there are leaves with high humidity. Place a layer of wood chips between your grass yard and the woods edge. Ticks are attracted to the wood chips because of the shade and moisture it provides.
2.) Do periodic tick checks (on yourself, children and pets) and carefully remove any found. (Wear light colored clothing so ticks are easier to find.)

Insect Shield Apparel
If you're not already aware, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums.) This includes insects with the potential to carry diseases such as Malaria, West Nile virus, Dengue fever and Lyme disease.

This  EPA-registered form of insect protection is convenient, invisible, odorless, and lasts through 70 launderings. Unlike traditional topical repellents Insect Shield products cannot be misused or over-applied. A variety of shirts, pants, and accessories can be purchased from Insect Shield brand partners such as LL Bean, Orvis, and ExOfficio.

Insect Shield's EPA registration does not restrict use of the apparel. Insect Shield roducts can be worn by infants, children of all ages, and women who are pregnant or nursing.

Questions? Photography/Video footage? Efficacy Information? Global health efforts?

Contact: Janine Robertson
publicrelations@buzzoff.com
Cell: 206-354-9093
www.insectshield.com

Insect Shield Clothing Facts:
Does the product have an odor?
No. Insect Shield protection is invisible, odorless, colorless and does not change the feel of the garment.            

How long will Insect Shield repellency last?
Insect Shield for apparel is now EPA registered to provide effective insect protection through 70 washings.

Is it EPA-registered?
Following many years of extensive product testing, Insect Shield apparel has been successfully registered by the Environmental Protection Agency - the EPA.                              

The environment?
Since the Insect Shield repellent is tightly bound to a fabric's fibers it is preferable to traditional insect repellents, which can readily wash off in the shower or stream, or sprays that might risk contaminating the atmosphere.   
  
Global health?
Insect Shield technology has the potential to be an important tool in the battle against insect-borne diseases and improve the health of people worldwide. The Insect Shield technology is being used for apparel and many other items that people use daily to aid in protection against insects - such as blankets, insect covers and kangas. Buzz Off Insect Shield works with agencies and international relief organizations that work to protect at-risk populations from insect-borne diseases.
                                                         
Who recommends permethrin-treated apparel?
(The following International Agencies recommend permethrin-treated apparel)

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/travel

World Health Organization (WHO)
www.who.int
                                         
The American Academy of Family Physicians
www.familydoctor.org
    
The Public Health Agency of Canada
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

Where can I buy Insect Shield apparel (men/women/kid's)?
www.exofficio.com
www.LLbean.com
www.orvis.com
www.ariat.com
www.tilley.com
www.cintas.com

 

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