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pires of the insect world, they will feed on your blood through skin bites — creating itchy, sore, red bumps in the bite area. The best treatment for mosquito bites is applying hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the site. An antihis- tamine such as diphenhydramine and a cold pack may help with itching and discomfort. Do not use both a cream and an oral dose, as this can quickly cause an overdose of diphen- hydramine, especially in kids. Most mosquito bites are completely harmless; however, some mosquitoes carry certain viruses and parasites that can transmit infections such as yellow fever, malaria and West Nile virus. These mosquito-borne infections sometimes can cause encephalitis, otherwise known as a brain infection. If you or your child experiences a high fever, headaches or body aches after a
mosquito bite, see your health care provider. The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to
take appropriate steps to limit exposure to this pest. You can fi nd insect repellents at your local pharmacy, or grocery stores selling over-the- counter medicines. Insect repellents contain DEET, picaridin, or a plant-based compound called oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always use insect repellents according to the package directions. Do not use DEET-containing products on infants younger than six months of age, and avoid applying such products to the hands or the face. Use repellents only on exposed areas of skin (not underneath clothing). When you return home, wash away any remaining repellent. If you know you will be in an area with lots of mosquitoes, wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat and lighter colors. Ticks: Deer and dog ticks — which are
about the size of the head of a pin — are found throughout the U.S. Ticks bites can transmit bacteria and cause Lyme disease, anaplasmo- sis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If left untreated, some of these infections can spread to the cardiovascular system, the nervous system and the joints. To prevent diseases that are spread by ticks
Beautiful, sunny days afford you and your family the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor activities. Safety should always be a priority
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or mosquitoes, apply insect repellent prior to go- ing into the woods or camping. After being near tall grass or in a wooded area, or on a hiking trip, always inspect for ticks with careful attention to hiding spots such as behind the knees, ears, underarms and the groin area. If you fi nd a tick, remove it promptly. Don’t wait for it to detach on its own. Avoid methods of tick removal such as painting with nail polish or using petroleum jelly. Never use heat or a match to remove ticks. The best way to remove a tick is by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible, using fi ne-tipped tweezers. Pull upward with a steady,
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