Preventing Insect Bites, West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease
Why is this important?
Insect bites can cause both minor reactions and cause vector-borne diseases including Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Climate change is increasing the likelihood of the spread of vector-borne diseases in Canada. Prevention methods can be effective in reducing bite exposures.
What actions can we take?
Follow public health advice to prevent children’s exposure to insect bites and to reduce insect habitat around the centre.
Be aware of outdoor settings where ticks and mosquitoes may be found.
Get rid of standing water on your property by emptying water in toys, flowerpots, birdbaths and other objects where mosquitoes can breed.
Take actions to minimize the need for insect repellents.
Avoid outdoor play during peak biting times (the hours between dusk and dawn).
Encourage families to provide protective clothing (lightweight, light-coloured clothing that covers the body, long-sleeved shirt and long pants as removable top layers, as well as shoes, socks and a hat).
When an insect repellent is used:
Only use repellents approved for use in Canada. Approved repellants will have a Pest Control Products [PCP] Act number on the product label.
Read and carefully follow all label instructions.
When using sprays, never spray directly into the face. Instead, spray on hands first and then apply to face.
