Each year, public health officials nationwide emphasize that there is no way to prevent contracting diseases from mosquitoes and ticks other than by taking personal responsibility. In the case of West Nile virus, there is no cure. So officials encourage area residents to use DEET-based insect repellents along with draining standing water in and around their homes, dressing properly, and avoiding being outside at dusk and dawn. These recommendations are known as the 4Ds. (Dress, Drain, DEET, Dusk/Dawn). West Nile virus victims also urge others to do what they did not--use repellents.

See www.deetonline.org for video of WNV victims telling their own stories.

http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/editorials/12037

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-firstaid3feb03

http://www.westnilesurvivor.com

The Fight the Bite Poster Contest is co-sponsored by the CDC and the DEET Education Program. Fifth and sixth graders can win $1000 and a trip to the CDC with their parents. Click here for details www.fightthebitecontest.org.

Consumer Reports regularly evaluates repellent products. Its most recent mention recommends DEET.
“A $5.99 bottle of bug repellent that claims to use 'botanicals' to ward off pests. DON’T BOTHER: According to our tests, nothing repels mosquitoes and ticks like good old-fashioned DEET.”

Other Useful Links

Where West Nile virus has occurred: CDC WNV maps
Are mosquitoes active where you live? Mosquito activity map weather.com

The full text of a repellent comparison study in the New England Journal of Medicine http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/347/1/13

Comments about repellents on WebMD
www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/are-you-mosquito-magnet
www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20080313/why-deet-bugs-mosquitoes

Lyme Disease
A Threat in a Grassy Stroll: Lyme Disease

DEET Education Program Response to British Research Study December 2009
DEET Education Program Response to British Research Study December 2009