WASHINGTON — Due to growing concern about the Zika virus, health officials advise people traveling to and from affected areas to avoid mosquitoes. 聽
“You can actually purchase lines of clothing that are pre-treated with insect repellent,” said Mike Raupp, entomologist at the University of Maryland, College Park. “I’ve gone to tropical rainforests in Costa Rica and Belize — where bite counts can be as high as 200 per minute — worn these [clothes], and they give very good protection.鈥�
Depending on the manufacturer, Raupp says repellant-infused clothing can go through as many as 20 and up to 70 washings before the efficacy is lost.
While he says repellent-infused clothing works, Raupp still prefers applying personal repellents and forms, such as in lotion, wipes and sprays.
“In addition to permethrin, DEET is also a very effective repellent. I often apply this to my pant legs and my boots when I’m hiking in tick infested areas,” Raupp noted.
Ticks can spread , another ailment of concern
Whatever method of insect repellent you choose, Raupp also recommends wearing loose-fitted, lightweight clothing that moves freely across your body to lessen chances you’ll be bitten.
“That prevents those [mosquitoes] from settling down and biting through that clothing,鈥� Raupp said. 鈥淭ight-fitting clothing that forms to your body, the insects can simply land and bite right through.鈥�
