Unity Media Group

Mosquitoes are known to carry many illnesses. The four most common mosquito-borne diseases in New Jersey include: West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and you guessed it, Zika Virus, which has been top of mind for most people. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don't get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. There is a whole list of diseases spread by ticks that include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Checking for ticks after being outside, and removing any attached ticks are essential steps in preventing tick-borne disease. Preventing mosquito bites: • Wear insect repellent—it is safe when used as directed and is the best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 for skin provide longer-lasting protection. • Cover up—when weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. • Keep mosquitoes outside—by using air conditioning or making sure that you repair and use window and door screens. Preventing tick bites: • Use insect repellent—that contains more than 20 percent DEET. Natural products, such as citronella, may not be effective. • Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin—an insecticide that is naturally derived from the chrysanthemum flower. It can reduce bites from mosquitoes, flies and ticks. • Stay out of tall grass—avoid brush or heavily wooded areas. Walk in the center of hiking trails. • If you're on a hike, dress appropriately—wear light-colored clothing, long pants and shirts with sleeves. Tuck in shirts. Tuck pants into socks. Wear closed-toe shoes. Removing ticks If you find a tick attached to your skin, you don't need to panic. Follow these steps: 1. Use a fine-tipped tweezer to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. 2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. 3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and hands. 4. Go to a doctor if you experience rash, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, extreme fatigue or other symptoms—these may be signs of an illness. Many tick-borne illnesses can be treated with antibiotics. HEALTH & WELLNESS July | August 2016 57

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