CDC Advises on Avoiding West Nile Virus

A statement released by the SC Johnson Company on Monday urges Americans to beware that the height of the mosquito season is coming upon us and with that comes a heightened risk of contracting the West Nile Virus.

Although it is not likely that one would get the Virus, the possibility is real enough. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the West Nile Virus caused at least 177 deaths in 2006. The people who are most at risk of dying from West Nile Virus are the elderly and those who are already ill.

"Though few mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus, an infective bite can be fatal. Protection can be as easy as applying an insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin," says Kelly Semrau, vice president of Global Public Affairs and Communication for SC Johnson.

The CDC and other health expert firms have provided some advice about what simple methods can be followed to avoid being bitten to pieces by hungry mosquitoes.

One thing to do is to use insect repellant. People vary in their reports about the effectiveness of different insect repellants, with some saying one kind is effective which others say the mosquitoes "lick off you". This journalist, who comes from New Jersey where it is said that the mosquito is the Jersey State Bird, has found from personal experience and has consistently heard from others that one of the most effective repellants is Deep Woods Off.

While this is a strong repellant and many people don't think it is warranted unless they are going camping, lesser-strength Off products don't seem to work as well on a consistent basis; Deep Woods Off is not just for campers or hikers, either.

Another product that has been found by many people to work wonders with keeping mosquitoes away is the Avon company's Skin-So-Soft. Skin-So-Soft is not designed as an insect repellant, but it works as a very effective one for many people anyway.

Insect repellant should be re-applied every few hours to keep it strong and effective.