Health First Mosquito Policy
General Information
Young children’s skin may respond to first mosquito bites with frightfully large, red, swelling welts. It can be very alarming when we first see these on our little ones but these bites do not usually cause harm to the child. Recently, there has been a different type of concern. Although the Zika virus seems to carry little risk for the general population, including children, there is a growing concern about the role it may play in certain pregnancies. We took a bit of time to review our policy and research best practices on prevention of bites and product safety. Please find this information below.
Standing Water
Our campus is free of unattended or standing water. Staff monitor for unattended standing water each day. We use dunks for garden barrels, bird baths, etc.
Parents Apply Repellents
Because it is unknown what, if any, side effects our teachers might experience by applying DEET products (or others) to so many children every day, we ask that parents apply the higher concentrate (it can remain effective for 8 hours or so) of DEET products on their children before arriving each morning. This product is child safe. Other products, of course, are available but, unfortunately, it seems that DEET is the most effective. Of course, this is a parent decision.
Clothing
There is some research that suggests that the type of mosquito that carries Zika prefers to bite around ankles and feet. Having your child wear loose, light colored clothing with closed shoes, socks and long pants, sleeves, can reduce the need for repellants (and sunscreen). Children should avoid wearing fragrances.
Please feel free to contact the office if you would like additional information.
Young children’s skin may respond to first mosquito bites with frightfully large, red, swelling welts. It can be very alarming when we first see these on our little ones but these bites do not usually cause harm to the child. Recently, there has been a different type of concern. Although the Zika virus seems to carry little risk for the general population, including children, there is a growing concern about the role it may play in certain pregnancies. We took a bit of time to review our policy and research best practices on prevention of bites and product safety. Please find this information below.
Standing Water
Our campus is free of unattended or standing water. Staff monitor for unattended standing water each day. We use dunks for garden barrels, bird baths, etc.
Parents Apply Repellents
Because it is unknown what, if any, side effects our teachers might experience by applying DEET products (or others) to so many children every day, we ask that parents apply the higher concentrate (it can remain effective for 8 hours or so) of DEET products on their children before arriving each morning. This product is child safe. Other products, of course, are available but, unfortunately, it seems that DEET is the most effective. Of course, this is a parent decision.
Clothing
There is some research that suggests that the type of mosquito that carries Zika prefers to bite around ankles and feet. Having your child wear loose, light colored clothing with closed shoes, socks and long pants, sleeves, can reduce the need for repellants (and sunscreen). Children should avoid wearing fragrances.
Please feel free to contact the office if you would like additional information.
