"Although few people ever become infected with West Nile Virus and most don't even know they have it, last year 830 human cases of West Nile Virus and 28 fatalities were confirmed in California.

Attempting to kill adult mosquitoes by fogging the air with poisonous pyrethroid pesticides provides ineffective mosquito control, is harmful to humans and the environment, and is bad public heatlh policy. We advocate an even greater emphasis on prevention and public education.

Please share the preventative measures listed below with your friends and neighbors because mosquitoes are a local problem and rarely travel more than a few miles from where they first emerge from their larval stage.

Government agencies are finally recommending some non-DEET insect repellants. DEET causes adverse neurological effects in rats and has been associated with the physical symptomes of "Gulf War Syndrome" especially when combined with synthetic pyrethroid pesticides. The Centers for Disease Control now recommends products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus. These repellants are said to be as effective as the low-dose DEET products and can last up to 6 hours. Examples are Bugs OFF! and Repel.

Action NOW also recommends Bite Blocker, made with soybean oil, geraniums and coconut. It has a strong but not unpleasant odor and provides 1.5 to 3.5 hours of protection. It is available from Magellan's Travel Supplies 1006 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica CA 1-800-962-4943 or website: http://www.magellans.com  product webpage:  http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Hygiene___Sun___Insect_ProtectionKR17...=


West Nile Prevention Strategies:

* Fix outdoor faucet leaks

* Change birdbath water every 3-4 days.

* Clean clogged gutters and water from pool covers.

* Discard or cover any water-holding containers such as buckets, cans, tires.

* Use mosquito-eating fish in ponds.

* For ditches or lakes use bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a natural larvicide, sold as Mosquito Dunk available at local nurseries.

* Repair screens.

* Wear light-colored,long-sleeved clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during times when mosquitoes are active (early morning and dusk).

* Use herbal repellants such as Bite Blocker (see above)."



Action NOW

Dedicated to ending pesticide and chemical abuse

2219 West Olive Ave. #254

Burbank, CA 91506

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