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II.

Review of Related Literature:

A. Common Main Ingredients for each type of Insect Repellent:

Common Ingredients: DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a very effective insect repellent developed in America some years ago. DEET forms the active part in most modern insect repellents and as such is the most used insect repellent chemical worldwide. Advantages: proven effectiveness at preventing bites, can remain effective for several hours. Disadvantages: oily feel, causes irritation to eyes, lips and other sensitive areas; can cause skin reaction with some users; damages certain plastics and fabrics; less effective in low concentrations, increased reaction risk in high concentrations; strong 'chemical' smell.

Natural Insect Repellents: Natural Insect repellents are usually based on the essential oils of either Citronella or specific varieties of Eucalyptus. Modern formulations have improved the effectiveness and reduced the need for frequent re-application helping natural repellents to become popular. The use of micro-encapsulation technology has resulted in some almost odourless repellents. Advantages: none sticky; environmentally friendly; safer on sensitive skins and most can be used on children; reduced irritation; less harmful to plastics and fabrics. Disadvantages: more expensive; may need more frequent reapplication to maintain full protection.

Other Types: Pyrethrins are naturally-occurring compounds with insecticidal and repellent properties that are found in pyrethrum extract from certain chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are manufactured chemicals that are very similar in structure to the pyrethrins, but are often more powerful and longer lasting. Advantages: safer to use on children, pets and plants; biodegradable; considered safe in normal use - low toxicity to mammals; does not accumulate in the body; generally harmless to clothing and plastics. Disadvantages: harmful to fish and amphibians.

B. Popular and Trusted Insect Repellent Brands: Examples:

a. b. c. d. e.

OFF! Baier Skinsations Buzz Away! Cutter

C. Diseases Obtained from Mosquitos: All of these diseases can be prevented with the use of Insect Repellents.

West Nile Virus

West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis(inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. You or your child cannot get West Nile virus from a person who has the disease. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected. New Yorkers can take steps to protect themselves during West Nile virus season by reducing the presence of mosquitos in their surroundings, and taking personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
Malaria Malaria is an infection of the blood that is carried from person to person by mosquitoes. The disease has been recognized for thousands of years and once was found almost everywhere except in the most northern areas of the world. Malaria has been wiped out in North America, Western Europe, and Russia. It remains a serious problem in much of the tropical and subtropical world, however. Millions of people continue to be infected every year, and probably up to 1 million of them die. Although the United States is malaria-free, hundreds of cases a year are still reported here. Most of these are people who acquired the disease overseas.

Dengue Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash. The presence (the "dengue triad") of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue. Dengue (pronounced DENG-gay) strikes people with low levels of immunity. Because it is caused by one of four serotypes of virus, it is possible to get dengue fever multiple times. However, an attack of dengue produces immunity for a lifetime to that particular serotype to which the patient was exposed.

Dengue goes by other names, including "breakbone" or "dandy fever." Victims of dengue often have contortions due to the intense joint and muscle pain, hence the name breakbone fever. Slaves in the West Indies who contracted dengue were said to have dandy fever because of their postures and gait. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a more severe form of the viral illness. Manifestations include headache, fever, rash, and evidence of hemorrhage in the body. Petechiae (small red or purple blisters under the skin), bleeding in the nose or gums, black stools, or easy bruising are all possible signs of hemorrhage. This form of dengue fever can be lifethreatening or even fatal

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