Walk With the Doc
       Saturday July 8th, 7:00 am
 
         
    Are Mosquitoes A Health Concern?

         While worries about the zika mosquito-
borne virus have been in the news, it’s not the
only threat mosquitoes can pose.  If on travel to
warmer climates, West Nile virus, dengue fever,
malaria and Chikungunya pose significant
health threats.  Fortunately, in our area we have
fewer concerns.

         Travel associated with globalization has
helped spread mosquito-borne illnesses. A
person bitten by a mosquito can pick up a new
virus and in a day carry it anywhere in the world.  
While some experts blame climate change and
ecosystem changes (deforestation, man-made
lakes, etc) a significant culprit is in our yard.  
Mosquitoes breed in still water.  Without the
water they die.

         If you haven’t conducted a survey of your
yard, here is a list of places mosquitoes may be
breeding.

       • Buckets, flower pot saucers, urns and pet
dishes (drain ever 2 days)
       • Birdbaths, fountains and wading pools
(drain ever 2 days)
       • Rain gutters (keep free of debris)
       • Water collecting from air conditioner
condensation
       • Outdoor dripping  faucets that accumulate
water
       • Puddles and ditches (fill in or install drain
lines)
       • Plastic swimming pools, plastic sheeting
used for weed control.

         Eliminating standing water is the first line
of defense.  The second line of defense is about
making your yard and yourself less available
and appealing to mosquitoes.  Recommended
strategies include:

       • Using tight screens on your windows,
doors and porches.
       • Avoiding the outdoors between dusk and
dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
       • When outdoors, wearing long sleeve
shirts and pants and using an insect repellent.
       • Using mosquito sprays and foggers.
       • Using citronella candles and torches.
       • Keeping grass short and eliminating
unneeded vegetation.
       • Planting mosquito repelling plants
(citronella grass, catmint, basil, lavender,
scented geraniums, etc.)

         You may be curious how mosquitoes find
you so easily.  At the top of the list, female
mosquitoes (the kind that bite) are attracted to
carbon dioxide we exhale.  They are also
attracted to the lactic acid in perspiration, the
warmth of our body (especially when working
hard or exercising), and certain blood types
(especially type O).  Genes make some people
more attractive to mosquitoes - and those
smells may be hereditary.  Pregnancy can also
make women more attractive to mosquitoes.  
There is more at “
5 reasons mosquitoes bite
some people and not others.”

         While there are many insect repellents,
the gold standard for effectiveness is DEET.  
The amount of DEET determines the
effectiveness. For example, 10 percent DEET
may protect up to 90 minutes and 30 percent
DEET may protect up to 6 hours.  
Concentrations above 50% provide no
additional protection.  If pregnant, nursing or
allergic to DEET there are alternative natural
repellents. While the alternatives are seldom as
effective as DEET, the possibilities are
numerous and include products with oils of
lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, cinnamon, thyme,
Greek catnip, etc.
        
         It’s best to apply repellents sparingly and
only to exposed areas. Avoid applying over
wounds. When out of mosquito range, wash off
residual repellent with soap and
water.                            

        In our county, the Health Department
manages mosquito control.  Their goal is an
effective and environmentally sensitive
approach that relies on methods with the least
possible hazard to people and the environment.  
It’s a challenging goal that works best when the
public does their part to help eliminate breeding
areas.

         In our state, mosquito transmitted
diseases including West Nile Virus, Eastern
Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, and
LaCross Encephalitis.  While the Aedes
species is common in our area and has the
potential to carry the Zika virus, the Zika virus is
not currently in our local mosquito population.  
For the most up-to-date information about
mosquitoes in our area contact
The Vector
Control Division of the Madison County Health
Department.  If you have questions or are
experiencing a mosquito problem in the
Madison County area call (256) 532-1915 or
send an email to Cheryl.Clay@adph.state.al.us.
         
         Need a reason to be an early bird?  So
far, no mosquitoes on our morning walks.

        Nancy Neighbors, MD        


               
    
                     Let’s take a walk

               Date:
Saturday, July 8th

  Location: Jones Family Park (see map)

Time: 7:00 am (Meet in front of Yogurt Mt.)

    Yogurt Mt. is the last store at the end of Valley Bend
Shopping Center).  If cloudy, bring an umbrella, we walk
come rain or shine.  


Click here for Dr. Neighbors’ 2017 news page


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