Reduce the risk – Use insect repellent
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Reduce your risk of infection by avoiding contact with mosquitoes with the help of insect repellents.
Safety tips for using insect repellents
- Always read the entire product label carefully.
- Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin and on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing. Heavy application is unnecessary for protection. Repeat application only as needed.
- If you get repellent in your eyes, rinse immediately with water. Do not use on open wounds, or if skin is irritated or sunburned.
- Use spray repellents only in well-ventilated areas, and avoid inhaling spray. Do not use near food.
- Wash treated skin with soap and water when you return indoors.
- In case of skin irritation, stop using the product immediately, wash treated skin and seek medical attention. In case of accidental poisoning, call the Alberta Poison Control Centre at 1-800-332-1414. Take the container with you when you seek medical attention.
Choosing a product
- Registered personal insect repellents which are available in Canada, contain one of two different active ingredients: DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus (P-Menthane 3,8-diol).
- DEET is recommended as the most effective and best studied insect repellent. Scientific reviews have concluded that, when used as directed, DEET has an excellent safety record.
- Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective for shorter periods of time.
- Repellents containing citronella or lavender are not recommended. There is insufficient data to establish the safe use of citronella and the manufacturer of lavender has decided to discontinue the product due to re-evaluation.
- Choose a product that meets your needs. For example, if you plan to be outdoors for a short period of time, choose a product with a lower concentration of repellent and repeat application only if you need a longer protection time.
Repellents containing DEET
DEET based repellents at various concentrations offer different protection times.
- 30 per cent DEET = 6 hours of protection
- 15 per cent DEET = 5 hours
- 10 per cent DEET = 3 hours
- 5 per cent DEET = 2 hours
Products containing DEET and sunscreens
- While it is safe to use both, DEET does decrease the effectiveness of sunscreen. If both are needed, the sunscreen should be applied first and allowed to penetrate for 20 minutes prior to applying the DEET.
General precautions for children
- Store all insect repellent containers out of children’s reach.
- When using insect repellent on children, always apply it for them.
- In case of skin irritation, stop using the product immediately, wash affected area and seek medical attention. In case of accidental poisoning, call Alberta Poison Control Center at 1-800-332-1414. Take the container with you when you seek medical attention.
Do not use DEET on children under 6 months of age.
DEET use for children 6 months to two years
- The use of one application per day may be considered where a high risk of complications from insect bites exists. (eg. in areas where there are reports of WNv activity)
- Apply the product sparingly.
- Only use 10 per cent DEET or less.
- Avoid prolonged use. Limit use to several days.
- Where possible, use protective clothing and apply repellent to exposed areas.
- Do not apply to hands and face.
DEET use for children 2–12 years
- Apply 10 per cent DEET or less no more than three times daily. Do not apply to face or hands.
- Avoid prolonged use.
DEET use for pregnant or lactating women
- There is no indication that DEET use by pregnant or lactating women is hazardous to the unborn or nursing child.
Other types of repellents
- Oil of Lemon eucalyptus (P-menthane 3, 8-diol), available as Off Botanicals in Canada, provides up to two hours of protection. Do not use it on children under three years old. May be applied twice per day.
Other ways to avoid mosquito bites
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Make sure door and window screens in your home fit and have no holes.
- Reduce mosquito hatching sites on your property by eliminating standing water.
