St. Louis encephalitis primary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anthony Gallo, B.S. [2]; Contributor(s): Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [3]

Primary Prevention

There are no available vaccines against St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV). Primary prevention strategies include using repellent, wearing protective clothing, installing or reparing screens, and keeping mosquitoes from laying eggs near you. While all of these methods are valid, reducing exposure to mosquitoes remains the best defense against infection with SLEV and other mosquito-borne viruses. There may be no available vaccines against St. Louis Encephalitis, but the methods below may suffice.

• Use repellent: When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin as well as on clothing (mosquitoes will bite through thin cloth). Studies show that the IR3535-based repellent protected against mosquito bites for an average of 22.9 minutes.[[4]]
  • Permethrin is a repellent/insecticide that can be applied to clothing and will provide excellent protection through multiple washes. You can treat clothing yourself (always follow the directions on the package) or purchase pre-treated clothing. For best protection, it is still necessary to apply other repellents to exposed skin.

• Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when weather permits.

• Avoid peak biting hours: Avoid outdoor activity or use protective measures when mosquitoes are active. (Culex mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn).

• Install and repair screens: Have secure and intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs near you: Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in small amounts of standing water. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, and tires. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Empty children's wading pools and store on their side after use.

For more information on mosquito facts, best types of repellants to use, and mosquito protection, visit the American Mosquito Control Association.[[5]]