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  B u l l e t i n
  CHILDREN'S SAFETY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
   

 

MOSQUITOES AND THE
WEST NILE VIRUS

HOW TO REDUCE
THE RISK

Recently numerous media articles highlighting the West Nile Virus have prompted parents to call our Association on how to better protect children from this virus.

 

Confirmations of infected birds have been reported in Winnipeg, Montreal and a number of sites in Ontario. Dr. Susan Roberecki, Manitoba's deputy chief medical officer, said "Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will not get sick, only in very rare cases will this cause any serious illness". Dr. Terry Tannenbaum, a Montreal public health official, agreed the risks to people are slim.

 

The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can (rarely) cause encephalitis. The virus first appeared in 1937 in the West Nile region of Uganda.

 

The virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting an infected bird. The virus is not spread person to person and it cannot be spread directly from a bird to a human.

 

The only documented case of a Canadian with the West Nile Virus involved someone who got it while in New York in 1999.

 

Mild symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph glands and a rash. More serious cases involve high fever, disorientation and paralysis
KEEPING MOSQUITOES AWAY!

 

The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to clean up areas where they like to breed:

 

  • Clean up and empty containers of standing water like old tires, flower pots, barrels, tin cans, pool covers, drains, etc.

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  • Make sure ditches are not clogged and check flat roofs for standing water.

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  • Wear light coloured clothing with long pants and sleeves.

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  • Check the condition of the screens on your windows and doors for damaged sections.

 

INSECT REPELLENT

 

When considering using a personal insect repellent use only products that are federally-regulated as such those that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m=toluamide)

 

Children under 6 months of age

 

Do NOT use personal insect repellent containing DEET on infants.

 

Children aged 6 months to 2 years

 

In situations where high risk of complications from insect bites exist, the use of one application per day of DEET may be considered for this age group with the following guidelines:

 

  • The least concentrated product (10% DEET or less) should be used.

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  • Apply product sparingly and avoid the face and hands.

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  • Prolonged use should be avoided.

 

Children between 2-12 years of age

 

  • The least concentrated product (10% DEET or less) should be used.

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  • Do not apply more than three times a day and never apply to the face and hands.

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  • Prolonged use should be avoided.

 

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