Rain spells bring a sigh of relief. But too much of it can be a problem. A recent report shows that a prolonged period of heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected to affect southern United States areas such as Atlanta and New Orleans. Parts of Texas that witnessed flooding from Hurricane Beryl will see heavy rain. South Carolina, which is currently experiencing drought, is also anticipated to receive significant rainfall.
As the rainy season unfolds, it offers respite from the scorching heat. However, the season also increases the number of mosquitoes, which translates to a higher risk of illness. Cases of West Nile virus are surging in the U.S. State officials are advising residents to take urgent action. Most of these cases are in people over 60, but children are also at risk of this disease.
Here, we’ll share some practical and effective tips to protect your child from the West Nile virus this rainy season.
Understanding the West Nile Virus
West Nile virus, or WNV, is a virus that is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito. Birds are WNV’s natural hosts. Mosquitoes get infected with the virus after they feed on infected birds.
Johns Hopkins Medicine’s recent publication reveals that one in five infected people will develop WN fever. The symptoms of WN fever include diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, headache, or rash. Swollen lymph glands are also a symptom of WN fever.
Even in children, only 20% show these flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, this virus can cause life-threatening illness of the brain as well as the lining that covers it and the spinal cord.
Preventing West Nile Virus: 3 Tips to Keep Your Children Safe
The best way to reduce your child’s risk of WNV is to prevent mosquito bites in the first place. Here, we’ll discuss some practical strategies that will help you protect your children from getting bitten by mosquitoes:
1. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens
Using mosquito nets over cribs, strollers, and playpens can provide a layer of protection for younger children. These nets are particularly useful during the peak mosquito season and in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
Install fine-mesh screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home while allowing fresh air to circulate. Check for and repair holes or tears in the screens regularly to ensure they remain effective.
For infants and young children, use mosquito nets over cribs, strollers, and playpens. They will keep mosquitoes at bay while allowing visibility and airflow.
2. Opt for Mosquito Control Services
Mosquitoes like to hide in warm, dark, moist places, such as tall grasses, shrubs, trees, and under decks.
If your home has a yard, deck, or patio, consider opting for mosquito control services. That will reduce mosquito populations around your home, thereby lowering the risk of West Nile virus. These services typically include regular inspections and treatments of your yard and surrounding areas to target mosquito breeding sites and adult mosquitoes.
The warm weather of South Carolina, for instance, has made the state more hospitable for mosquitoes. Many places have seen an uptick in the state’s annual number of mosquito days. A “mosquito day” is the period when the climate is particularly conducive to mosquito activity. Per the research, there are 22 mosquito days in the Upstate, 21 in Myrtle Beach, and 11 in Columbia.
Palmetto Mosquito and Fire Ant reveal that Greenville is also an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes because of its warm and humid climate.
On 24th July 2024, for instance, Greenville’s temperature was 72°F, and the humidity was high, around 81%. Thus, the weather offers favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. Given these factors, it will be wise to invest in mosquito control in Greenville, SC. These services often include a combination of larvicides and adulticides to effectively manage mosquito populations and provide long-term relief from these pests.
3. Invest in Insect Repellents
The CDC recommends the use of insect repellents to prevent mosquito bites.
Use insect repellants registered by the EPA. Those insect repellents contain active ingredients such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or other ingredients registered by the EPA.
As per HealthyChildren.org, DEET is approved as effective and it’s considered safe for use. Go for repellants with 30% DEET. They will protect your kid from mosquitoes for 5 hours.
When buying a repellent with picaridin, opt for the one that contains 20% picaridin. It will repel mosquitoes for 8 to 12 hours. In regard to insect repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus, those with 30% to 40% concentration are the best. They keep mosquitoes away for 6 hours.
Apply the repellent to exposed skin and clothing, following the instructions on the label. Take care to avoid rubbing it on their hands, eyes, and mouth. Always opt for child-safe products and follow the precautions mentioned on the label.
All things considered, the rains are a time of joy, but they also bring some unwelcome guests, like mosquitoes that may infect children with the West Nile virus. You can significantly reduce your child’s risk of WNV by taking the preventative measures discussed. Your efforts to create a safer environment will pay off, for your child will be able to enjoy the rainy season without getting ill.
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