Cooler
weather and more rain could increase our mosquito problem and the
risks of catching the West Nile virus.
The
State Department of Health is reporting 7 news cases.
Oklahoma has now had 72 cases this year, but no new deaths were reported.
State
Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline says people need to be on the
alert.
They
should deal get rid of standing water sources and use insect repellent when outdoors.
Cline
says late August and September are peak periods of virus transmission
in Oklahoma.
He
suggests using an EPA-registered insect repellent, such as those
containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
The
OSDH offered these insect repellent recommendations:
-Products
containing up to 30 percent DEET can be used on children.
-Use
aerosols or pump sprays for skin and treating clothing, because they
provide even application.
-Use
liquids, creams, lotions, towelettes or sticks for more precise
application to exposed skin.
-After outdoor activity, wash repellent-treated skin with soap and
water.
-Don't
over apply or saturate skin or clothing.
-Don't
apply to skin under clothing.
-Don't
apply more frequently than directed on the product label.
