Dispelling rumours around Zika and microcephaly

Updated11 March 2016 There are many repellents that are effective against all mosquitoes including Aedes mosquitos. Effective repellents contain DEET (diethyltoluamide) or IR 3535 or Icaridin which are the most common biologically active ingredients in insect repellents. Active ingredients are listed on the product label. The following active ingredients repel or kill the mosquito when it rests or approaches the body: DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3- [N-butyl-N-acetyl], aminopropionic acid ethyl-ester) or Icaridin (piperidinecarboxílico acid-1, 2- (2-hydroxyethyl) - 1-metilpropilester). There is no minimum or maximum percentage of active ingredient required. Insect repellents may be applied to exposed skin to protect against the bites of mosquitoes or on the clothes. WHO recommends covering the skin with clothing as much as possible and using insect repellents as effective measures to protect against bites from mosquitoes that transmit viruses such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever and Zika. Repellents must be used in strict accordance with the label instructions. There is no evidence of any restriction of the use of these repellents by pregnant women if they are used in accordance with the instructions on the product label.
Source: WHO news on Zika virus - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: child development [subject], child growth, emergencies [subject], emergency preparedness, crises, emergency preparedness, newborn [subject], newborn, newborn health, perinatal, neonate mortality, newborn care, low birth weight, infant, newborn, zika, zika Source Type: news