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- Health Information for a Better Life
Helpful information on DEET
Today, mosquitoes are more than a
nuisance. Some carry West Nile virus and bites may lead to West Nile
virus infection and, in turn, mild or serious illness.
One way to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites is to
use insect repellent when outdoors.
Using repellent containing DEET
Use federally registered insect
repellents such as products containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin or on top of clothing.
Do not apply underneath clothing.
The repellent doesn't have to be applied heavily to be effective - a
light coating will do.
The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for
adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children.
Use only when needed and follow label directions carefully including
restrictions for use on young children and maximum number of
applications per day.
How to choose a product containing DEET
Studies have shown that products with
lower concentration of DEET are just as effective as the high
concentration products, but they remain effective for shorter periods of
time :
30% DEET provides protection for about six hours
15% DEET provides protection for about five hours
10% DEET provides protection for about three hours
5% DEET provides protection for about two hours
For more information about West Nile
virus call the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
INFOline at 1-887-234-4343 (toll free in Ontario)
TTY 1-800-387-5559 or contact your local public health unit.
