Highlights
New Insect Repellent Recommendations
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Mosquitoes transmit many of the viruses that cause encephalitis. In 2005, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended two new types of insect repellent products:
- Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023 or Bayrepel, has been sold for many years in other countries. It is now available in the United States.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a plant-based repellent that works as well as low concentrations of DEET. However, it should not be used on children younger than 3 years of age.
- According to the CDC, picaridin and DEET are the most effective types of insect repellents.
DEET Guidelines
DEET is still considered the best insect repellent, but recommendations for concentration levels vary:
- The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that any DEET concentration can safely be used on children older than 2 months.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children use a lower concentration of DEET (less than 10%) and avoid DEET concentrations greater than 30%.
Preventing West Nile Virus Blood From Spreading
In December 2005, the FDA approved the first West Nile virus (WNV) blood test to screen donated blood, organs, cells, and tissues. The new test will help prevent WNV contamination in American blood banks. There have been 30 documented cases of people who caught the WNV from blood transfusions. Nine of these patients died. Transplant patients also have a high risk of WNV infection.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
A new type of Japanese encephalitis vaccine has begun Phase III trials. The investigational ChimeriVax-JE is a single-dose vaccine. Currently, there is only one type of Japanese encephalitis vaccine available (JE-VAX). It requires three doses for protection.
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