Memorial Day Weekend officially marks the start of the most wonderful season of all: Summer. This means fun in the sun, no school, pool parties, trips to the beach, and…Insects, ie Mosquitoes and Ticks. Most people are spending a lot more time outside now that the weather is warmer, this means more interactions with mosquitoes and ticks.
With the Zika virus as the new threat, people need to be especially careful of avoiding mosquito bites. The biggest problem the country has when it comes to these bloodsuckers is people who are misinformed.
Health officials across the country are banding together to try and spread education about mosquitos and the Zika virus to every person in the U.S. The CDC is advising pregnant women, in particular, avoid traveling to areas where the Zika virus is predominate. I’d say everyone should postpone travel to these areas until this epidemic is over, but it seems people just can’t seem to understand how dangerous this virus is and are still determined to go on their vacation even if it means they might catch it.
Lyme Disease has taken a back seat to the Zika virus but don’t kid yourself, it’s out there. Make sure when walking or hiking on paths, nature trails, parks, and sports fields that you stay in the middle of the trail or path. Always wear long sleeves and pants (tucking in the pant legs into your socks prevents ticks from climbing up your legs). Try to avoid the overgrown areas. If you have been in an area that may have ticks, it is imperative that you do a thorough check of your body ( hair, armpits, behind the ears, and any other crevices).
Prevention of mosquito and tick bites is actually pretty straight forward. You are recommended to carry around some insect repellent containing DEET at all times, and make sure you keep yourself liberally covered in the stuff.Some clothing companies such as L.L. Bean and ExOfficio have come out with shirts treated with permethrin, which they promise can repel mosquitos and other bugs for up to 70 washings.
Are you making sure to stay covered in insect repellent this summer?
