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 If you would prefer to discontinue receiving ideas about healthy living from Dr. Neighbors please phone (256) 882-6085. |