Mosquito season is here, Iowans urged to prepare

A top state health official says some simple preventative measures before you head outdoors can keep you from getting a potentially deadly disease. State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk says insect repellent is your biggest bet in keeping you safe from the West Nile Virus. Quinlisk says look for a mosquito repellent with one key ingredient. She says “DEET” is something that works, and something you can get in different concentrations. Quinlisk says use a lower concentration if you’re not going to be out very long, and a higher concentration if you’ll be out longer. Quinlisk says there are some other repellents available. One is called picaridan (puh-cure-uh-din)and the other is oil of lemon eucalyptus. She says the oil of lemon eucalyptus can’t be used on children. Quinlisk says follow the directions on the package to get the best results. Quinlisk says you don’t want to put any of them on open wounds an she says as soon as you come in, you should wash it off. Quinlisk says there’s not reason you should risk getting West Nile by not putting on the repellent before heading outside.