A spray a day will keep West Nile away

With Kansas being home to the year’s first human case of West Nile virus, it’s nice to know that most cases can be prevented. Insect repellents containing DEET are practically a “sure thing,” this New York Times article points out, when it comes to preventing the virus. But not enough people — only 40 percent — are using repellents at all, according to a Harvard survey.
For those people who can’t tolerate the smell or feel of DEET, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended two other better-smelling repellents that don’t contain the ingredient (included in the article). Let’s hope that the extra options — or maybe just the thought of all those pesky bites — will entice more people to protect themselves from West Nile.
Posted by Melissa Cooley