Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about outdoor safety. Believe it or not, bug repellent is an important part of summer safety. There are many serious or even fatal diseases (such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more) that can be transmitted via mosquito and other insect bites.
If your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), plans to spend time outside doing gardening, going to barbeques or picnics, fishing, walking or sitting outside, it’s important to use an effective insect repellent to avoid mosquito or tick bites that could lead to serious illness or allergic reactions.
Symptoms to observe for as a result of bug bites;
Allergic symptoms or infection-swelling, itching, redness or pain
Ehrlichiosis-a bacterial illness transmitted by ticks that causes flu-like symptoms. The signs and symptoms of ehrlichiosis include; mild fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea joint pain, confusion, rash or cough, and usually appear within a week or two of a tick bite
Lyme disease-rash in a bull’s-eye pattern, with a red outer ring surrounding a clear area, accompanied by fever, chills, headache and other flu-like symptoms, transmitted by a small tick called a Deer Tick. Note-these ticks are so small they are not able to be seen easily by the human eye.
West Nile disease-most people have no signs or symptoms of West Nile disease, however, 20% of people develop a mild infection. Common signs and symptoms of West Nile fever include: fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, back pain. Serious signs and symptoms of infection occur in less than 1% of people exposed to West Nile and result in a severe neurological infection. Signs and symptoms of a severe infection include; encephalitis, poliomyelitis or meningitis-symptoms include; sudden weakness or paralysis of muscles, high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, disorientation, confusion, stupor or even coma, tremors or convulsion. Signs and symptoms of West Nile fever usually last a few days (and many times the disease resolves on its own), but signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can linger for weeks, and certain neurological effects (like muscle weakness) may be permanent.
When to use insect repellent;
You should apply insect repellent anytime you or your loved one is going to be outdoors. Depending on where you live, these insects that carry disease could be active anytime of the year.
What type of repellent is the most effective?
The best type of insect repellent is one that has been proven to protect for long periods of time against bug bites. It’s also important to inspect your loved one for ticks after being in a wooded area (or any outdoor area that is prone to ticks). Be aware that most insect repellents are ONLY effective on the specific area they are applied, so if you sporadically apply the repellent, it won’t fully protect you or our loved one with AD. Only apply insect repellent to exposed skin-never under clothing. Follow the directions on the label to ensure you properly apply repellent and re-apply when necessary.
If your loved one with AD has any adverse reaction to insect repellent, discontinue use and inform the attending physician immediately. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above of disease transmitted from insect bites, notify the doctor right away.
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