Many people who are bitten by an infected mosquito won't get sick — many others aren't as lucky. Since 1999, more than 30,000 people in the United States have been reported as getting sick with West Nile virus. Occasionally, an infected person may develop more severe diseases such as “West Nile encephalitis,” “West Nile meningitis” or “West Nile meningoencephalitis.”
Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it.
A single mosquito bite can make you sick. Why take a chance? Always use repellent on exposed skin and clothes while outdoors. Think of repellent as you would an important article of clothing, and avoid weeks (or even months) of aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever or other mosquito-borne diseases.
What repellent should I use? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by CDC. All contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been studied to make sure they are effective and safe.
When should I wear repellent? Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite from sundown to sun-up (throughout the night). Put a few bottles or packets of repellent in the car, by the door, in a purse or backpack.
What should I do about mosquitoes in my area? Mosquito control by your local government won't get rid of every last mosquito, but when you also use repellents, you can markedly reduce your chances of getting bitten. Ask local officials about starting a mosquito control program in your city or county if it doesn't exist already.
5 Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Mosquito Bites
- Avoid going out at dusk, which is peak activity time.
- Apply insect repellent when you’re outdoors.
- Wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
- Wear clothing that helps you blend into the background. Mosquitoes hone in on color contrast and movement.
- Avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, fragrant hairsprays and lotions.