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Home › Articles › Home Safety Issues › The Buzz on Bugs and Babies

The Buzz on Bugs and Babies

Summer's Small Pests Can Pose Big Dangers

By Laurie L. Dove

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Before you decide it's not worth the risk to take your baby for an evening stroll or let your toddler play in the backyard, keep in mind that the best way to protect your child is to arm yourself with information.

What Is West Nile?
West Nile virus is spread by a certain type of mosquito, which is known as the Culex species. It's important to note that not all mosquitoes carry West Nile virus. Even if a mosquito does carry the virus, it doesn't necessarily mean the person on the biting end of the pest will become infected. If a person is bitten by a mosquito and does become sick, it is because the mosquito-borne virus that causes West Nile has entered the blood stream and multiplied to spread throughout the body.

The good news is that someone who is healthy can usually fight off West Nile virus, and the flu-like symptoms of fever, headache, swollen glands and muscle aches typically subside within just a few days. In some cases, however, the virus can cause encephalitis, which is a potentially deadly swelling of the brain. Encephalitis symptoms include neck stiffness, a severe headache and a high fever.

Because a virus causes West Nile, antibiotics aren't effective treatment, and there is not a vaccine available yet to prevent the virus. Once a person is infected, the disease is most often treated by managing symptoms. Fortunately, the virus does not spread from person to person.

Protection Without Poison?
When it comes to preventing their children from contracting West Nile virus, there are a few steps parents can take, says Dr. Rupp. "Avoid places where there is a high risk of experiencing a mosquito bite," he says. "Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants because this will also help to exclude mosquitoes."

And, says Dr. Rupp, mosquito repellents are a must. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents apply mosquito repellent containing DEET (on the label it may look like N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to a child's skin unless the child is younger than 2 months of age. Keep in mind that DEET is toxic, so it should be applied sparingly to the skin. Children should not come into contact with a repellent containing more than 30 percent DEET, and it should never be applied to their hands.


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