Encephalitis: Viral - Prevention

Prevention

The risk for mosquito-born infections is highest between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes feed. A good insect repellent is very helpful in reducing the risk for vector-borne disease. The most complete personal protection program for adults and most children is to apply the insect repellant DEET to the skin, and also permethrin to clothing and similar surfaces.

DEET and Other Insect Repellant Skin Products

DEET. Most insect repellents contain the chemical DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), which remains the gold standard of currently available mosquito and tick repellents. DEET has been used for more than 40 years and is safe for most children when used as directed. Comparison studies suggest that DEET preparations are the most effective insect repellents now available.

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Concentrations range from 4% to almost 100%. The concentration determines the duration of protection. Most adults and children over 12 years old should use preparations containing a DEET concentration of 20 - 35% (such as Ultrathon), which provides complete protection for an average of 5 hours. (Higher DEET concentrations may be necessary for adults who are in high-risk regions for prolonged periods.)

DEET products should never be used on infants younger than 2 months. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DEET products can safely be used on all children age 2 months and older. The EPA recommends that parents check insect repellant product labels for age restrictions. If there is no age restriction listed, the product is safe for any age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children use concentrations of 10% or less; 30% DEET is the maximum concentration that should be used for children. When deciding what concentration is most appropriate, parents should consider the amount of time that children will be spending outside, and the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease.

When applying DEET, take the following precautions:

• Do not use on the face, and apply only enough to cover exposed skin on other areas.
• Do not over apply, and do not use under clothing.
• Do not apply over any cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Only parents or an adult should apply repellent to a child. They should first put DEET on their own hands and then apply it to the child. They should avoid putting DEET not only near the child's eyes and mouth but also on the hands (since children frequently touch their faces).
• Wash any treated skin after going back inside.
• If using a spray, apply DEET outdoors -- never indoors. Spray repellents should not be applied directly on anyone's face.