It’s West Nile Time Again: Here’s What You Can Do

Just two weeks ago, the New York Times was reporting that only 25 cases of West Nile had been reported–in 11 states. Now we read in the San Francisco Chronicle that 56 people have been infected. What’s going on? Nothing all that unusual. It’s just that this is the time of year, early August, that West Nile numbers start to climb, and this year they are expected to top the 2,500 cases reported by the end last summer. That makes this a good time to take a look at the CDC’s advice for people who refuse to be chased indoors by a relatively rare mosquito borne disease. First, the agency suggests, wear mosquito repellent whenever you go outside, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Second, be mindful that the most effective mosquito repellents are still those that contain DEET. Sorry about that. And third, read the small print and do the math that will tell you how many hours of protection different percentages of DEET can guarantee. A helpful guide is included here.