As with any disease, the best way to treat WNV is to not contract it; and the best way to avoid contracting WNV is to not get bit by mosquitoes. It sounds next to impossible, but preventing mosquito bites is not only plausible, but fairly simple.
Personal Prevention
A few simple steps can prevent mosquito bites—and thus WNV infection.
Always use an insect repellent. There are many different types of repellents on the market today, but the most effective are those that contain DEET (N, N-dyethyl-meta-toluamide). According to a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, products that do not contain DEET do not offer as much protection or last as long as those that do. One product in the study that contained a soybean-oil base provided a similar benefit of those with a low concentration of DEET. Nonetheless, the study reports that among those products tested on humans and mosquitoes, only those containing DEET offered long-lasting protection.
The study also provided general guidelines for how long a DEET-based product will prevent mosquito bites. According to the study, a product containing
23.8% DEET provides an average of 5 hours of protection
20% DEET provides almost 4 hours of protection
6.65% DEET provides almost 2 hours of protection
4.75% DEET and 2% soybean oil provides roughly 1.5 hours of protection
(Fradin MS, Day JF. Comparative efficacy of insect repellents against mosquito bites. N Engl J Med. 2002;347(1):13-8.)
You may have heard that DEET repellents aren’t safe. This is one myth you can discredit completely. Because DEET is so widely used, extensive testing on its safety has been conducted. In its R.E.D. facts sheet report on DEET, the EPA stated that “the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general U.S. population.” DEET products are also safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
That’s not to say that DEET repellents can be used without caution. In some rare cases, DEET has caused allergic reactions and seizures. Should you develop either, cease using it and seek medical help—make sure to take the product with you. Additionally, DEET is an eye and mouth irritant. Rather than spraying it directly onto your face, spray some on your hands and then apply it to your face. Instead of spraying the repellant on children, spray it on your hands and then apply it on them. Avoid putting the repellant on a child’s hands as they have a tendency to rub their eyes or put fingers in their mouths. Don’t apply DEET repellants under clothing or in enclosed areas.
If you are outside longer than expected, sweat profusely, or get wet, reapply the repellent.
Wear Long Sleeves, Long Pants, and Socks. OK, it’s summer; you’re supposed to be wearing shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Using an insect repellant on exposed skin can protect exposed areas, but whenever possible—and especially during peak mosquito hours—cover up with clothes. Additionally, spray your clothes with the repellent as mosquitoes can bite through thinner material.
Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours. While a few species of mosquitoes are active throughout the entire day, most are biting during dusk and dawn hours. Take extra care, or go indoors, during these times.
Don’t Rely on Mosquito Control Programs. Many communities utilize a mosquito control program, but that doesn’t mean you can relax on your preventative efforts. Even if your community has such a program, you should still do your part in preventing mosquito bites.