INSECT REPELLENTS & WEST NILE VIRUS

West Nile Virus is a disease that one of our members caught from mosquito bites while fishing in 2004. Read his story. Rarely, mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus. West Nile virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and encephalitisencephalitis (inflammation of the brain). As of Oct. 6th there have been 292 reported cases including 3 deaths in Colorado this year of 2006.
This website has graphs of West Nile viruses by state

Though there are other repellent types out there they do not protect as long or as well as Deet. Deet (look for "N-Diethyl-m-Toluamide" or "N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide" ) is the most recommended insect repellent. This has been heavily tested, scientifically, where as the others have not. (Note that high concentrations are very bad for kids under 12.) I have also read that Deet can degrade fishing equipment but I figure that I could replace all of my fishing equipment at a cost less than what a bout with West Nile Virus would cost. ( The product label on my 3M UltraThon, with 31% deet, says that it can deteriorate synthetic fabrics, plastics, paint, and varnish, but will not damage nylon, cotton, or wool) About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites. Besides working well against mosquitoes Deet is also effective against ticks which can carry lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Some people have complained that horse flys and "No See Ums" are not repelled by deet.

Using the new "Bug off" type clothing or applying Permethrin to your clothing several hours prior works well in conjunction with a repellent such as deet. Permethrin should not be applied to your skin.

Webmd says If you are bitten the follow simple remedies can help ease the discomfort:

Use pain medicines like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Apply Cold compresses or ice
Use Calamine lotion for itching.

Listerine or Dish detergent as a repellent - Apparently not - snopes.com

Any way, here are some source articles on insect repellents and avoiding the West Nile bite.

Webmd - Article on Deet and Permethrin
Webmd - Article about applying sunscreens plus insect repellent
Webmd - West Nile Virus Article 1
Webmd - West Nile Virus Article 2
Webmd - Are You a Mosquito Magnet?
Webmd - Officials Hope More Options for Repellents Will Reduce Infection With West Nile Virus
CDC - What You Need to Know About Mosquito Repellent
CDC - West Nile Virus Prevention Information
CDC - Insect Repellent Use and Safety
"Fight the Bite Colorado" website
New England Journal of Medicine report on Repellent
Summary by a Pharmacist - But I think he missed a point on length of time- see below:

From the CDC:
DEET is an effective active ingredient found in many repellent products and in a variety of formulations. Based on a 2002 study (Fradin and Day, 2002. See Publications page.):

• A product containing 23.8% DEET provided an average of 5 hours of protection from mosquito bites.
• A product containing 20% DEET provided almost 4 hours of protection
• A product with 6.65% DEET provided almost 2 hours of protection
• Products with 4.75% DEET were both able to provide roughly 1 and a half hour of protection.

These examples represent results from only one study and are only included to provide a general idea of how such products may work. Actual protection will vary widely based on conditions such as temperature, perspiration, and water exposure.

From the CDC; As “rules of thumb”:

"For many hours outside (over 3-4 hours) and/or where biting is very intense—look for a repellent containing more than 20% DEET."
" Products with more than 50% DEET do not offer additional protection."
"Repellents containing DEET are very safe for adults and children when used according to directions."
"Repellents containing DEET are very safe for adults and children when used according to directions."
"For shorter periods of time, repellents containing less than 20% DEET (is effective), the repellent currently available with 7% picaridin (KBR 3023, sometimes known as “Bayrepel” outside the US) or one of the products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus may provide adequate protection (editor note: for a short period of time). There are other products available, but they may not protect as long as those named here."
"Even if you’re going out for 10 minutes use a repellent —that’s long enough to get bitten! "
"Applying permethrin to your clothing ahead of time will give you even greater protection."
"Remember: don't use permethrin on skin."
"It is recommended NOT to use a single product that combines insect repellent containing DEET and sunscreen, because the instructions for use of insect repellents and use of sunscreen are different. In most situations, insect repellent does not need to be reapplied as frequently as sunscreen. While no recommendations are available at this time regarding products that combine other active ingredients and sunscreen, it is important to always follow the label on whatever product you are using."

But if you still want to avoid chemicals the following is quoted from Webmd:

"Want to avoid chemical-based repellents altogether? Alternatives do exist, with one or two showing promise.

"Of the products we tested, the soybean oil-based repellent was able to protect from mosquito bites for about 1.5 hours," Fradin reports. He and fellow researchers found other oils -- citronella, cedar, peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium -- provide short-lived protection at best. Oil-of-eucalyptus products, however, may offer longer-lasting protection, preliminary studies show. "

Reported Cases of West Nile Virus:

The State of Colorado:
CDC National Totals

The Webguy

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