CONSUMER REPORTS MAY ISSUE WARNS OF WEST NILE DISEASE AND TELLS HOW TO BE PREPARED AS OUTDOOR RECREATION SEASON APPROACHES

- Product Ratings Reveal Most Effective Bug Repellents -

In advance of the outdoor recreation season, the Consumer Reports (CR) May "West Nile disease" report alerts you to causes and symptoms of this nationwide risk, and offers ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard and away from yourself and your family. CR also provides independent, unbiased product Ratings of nine insect repellents to help readers protect themselves against several serious, prevalent insect-borne diseases this spring, summer, and fall.

Last summer West Nile virus swept across the country. More than 4,000 cases were reported in 39 states in 2002. A total of 274 victims died, and many others were left with seemingly permanent disabilities, including a polio-like paralysis, severe muscle tremors, and overwhelming fatigue. Spread via a complex cycle involving mosquitoes that bite infected birds and then people, West Nile is now second only to Lyme disease as the most commonly reported insect-borne illness in the U.S. It has also taken aim at wild and domesticated animals, virtually wiping out the crow and blue-jay populations in some areas and, nationwide, killing one-third of the estimated 15,000 horses known to have contracted the disease.

Public health officials estimate that 80 percent of people infected with the virus have no symptoms and never know they've had it. Almost all the rest come down with a syndrome called West Nile fever: a fever accompanied by headache, weakness, and sometimes nausea or a skin rash. For most people, the syndrome lasts a few days and then they recover, and presumably have long-term immunity to the virus.

Who is at High Risk?

A small share of those who are infected, about 1 in 150, becomes desperately ill. Doctors know that the risk of getting a really bad case of West Nile arises precipitously with age. Infected children rarely show ill effects. Most who get seriously ill are over 50. People whose immune system has been suppressed by chemotherapy or other causes are also at higher risk.

Severe West Nile disease can take several forms, all of them dangerous. Most of the first known victims had encephalitis or meningitis, an inflammation of the brain or its lining, as well as fever and extreme weakness. So far, about 10 percent of severely affected victims in the U.S. have died; the vast majority of them were in their 70s or 80s.

At the moment, there is no effective treatment for West Nile disease. A vaccine is years away. The most effective way to avoid bites is to stay inside when mosquitoes are active-at dusk and throughout the evening. Wear a repellent on exposed skin-ideally, one with protection lasting no longer than the time you're going to be out.

As a public service, the news media may reproduce the attached consumer tips: "Safe use of insect repellents;" "Protecting your house and yard against mosquitoes;" "Know your ticks;" "Preventing tick bites;" and "Recognize symptoms." The "West Nile disease" report is posted in the free Consumer advice section at www.ConsumerReports.org.

BEST PRODUCTS TO KEEP BUGS AT BAY

CR enlisted medical entomologists at an outside lab to see which products best keep bugs at bay. The verdict: Deet remains the best deterrent. Deet is generally acknowledged to be the most effective insect mosquito repellent there is. It has been used by many millions of people worldwide for decades, and it's considered safe when used according to directions. Of the nine repellents CR tested, the two most effective at deterring both mosquitoes and ticks were 3M Ultrathon (33% deet) and Off! Deep Woods for Sportsmen (100% deet). Both kept mosquitoes from biting for about 13 hours. Ultrathon protected from ticks for 10 hours, Off! for 7 hours. Don't expect much from nondeet repellents. CR is skeptical of products using plant oils such as citronella, soybean, coconut, and geranium as they provide little if any protection.
CR also offers unbiased product Ratings and recommendations for bug zappers and traps.

The May 2003 issue of CR will be available April 8 wherever magazines are sold. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

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MAY 2003
The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union, an independent, nonprofit testing and information-gathering organization, serving only the consumer. We are a comprehensive source of unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health, nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936, our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consumers.
OPI:JEQ:3/17/03

View Files Sorted By Office: Consumers Union OPI, New York - Washington DC Office
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