Photo credit: European Pharmaceutical Review
Mosquito season: Fighting a summer-long war with nature’s vampires.
On June 26th, the Florida Department of Health sent out a newsletter that included information on four new cases of malaria in Sarasota, Florida. These individuals have since been treated and recovered, but what can we do to make sure our families keep up the same safety?
First, what is malaria?
According to Mayo Clinic, malaria is a disease that’s caused by a parasite spreading through mosquito bites. In Florida, this is spread through Anopheles mosquitoes.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- General feeling of discomfort
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Cough
If you have a severe fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, or headache, please seek immediate medical attention.
Prevention Tips
Drain: any standing water. This means buckets, coolers, house gutters, flowerpots, garbage cans, pool covers, toys, and anywhere sprinkler or rainwater collects.
Remove: cans, pots and pans, drums, old tires, broken appliances, or anything else that isn’t being used.
Empty and Clean: pets water bowls and birdbaths at LEAST once or twice weekly.
Protect: vehicles and boats with tarps so they don’t collect water.
Maintain: swimming pools and make sure they are properly chlorinated. If you have plastic swimming pools, please empty and clean them when not in use.
Cover:
- Doors and windows with screens, as well as repair any broken ones.
- Skin with clothing and repellent. This means socks, shoes, long pants, and long sleeves, especially if you work in an area with mosquitoes present.
Repellent Tips
Photo credit: Ranger Ready
Always read the label!
Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective. Read instructions before use for best results. Apply to exposed skin, not under clothing.
For gear and clothing, use products that contain 0.5% permethrin. DO NOT apply it directly to the skin.
Certain repellents are not safe for children. Lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children younger than three. DEET should not be used on children less than two months old, in this case, use mosquito netting.
Parents should always apply the repellent on their hands first, then the child’s skin and clothing.
Our Recommendation
For skin, we recommend Ranger Ready Picaridin 20% Tick + Insect Spray (which we carry in-store and online). For clothing and gear, they also make a 0.5% permethrin version.
Picaridin vs. Permethrin
Picaridin
Permethrin
Come by the store today to pick up your own Ranger Ready Picaridin Spray or click here purchase through our online shop!
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/malaria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351184
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDOH/bulletins/36102fd
https://rangerready.com/
