West Nile Virus Precautions

[Guest guest]

With the mosquito season quickly approaching...

I was wondering if any of you have spoken with your OBGyn's about

the dangers of West Nile virus and how to prevent the disease.

Living in Colorado, where the incidence rate is high, I've been

really worried about this. My OB said that the virus itself is not

likely to cross the placental barrier, but since pregnancy can

reduce a womans immune system, if we were bitten by an infected

mosquito, we could end up with the more serious complications like

encephalitis.

I asked him about the use of DEET repellants, and he seemed to feel

that since the babies are fully formed and in their growth stages,

birth defects aren't likely to occur from the use of DEET.

He felt that the risk of using DEET in small amounts (occasionally)

was less than possible complications from WNV. He reminded me to

cover up when outdoors at night and to get rid of all standing water

that may be around the property.

Just thought I would pass this information and issue on so that

everyone can be proactive. If you happen to speak with your OBs

about this issue, please pass on your information. I think I'm a

little freaked out about WNV and being pregnant during the summer.

Toi

EDD 8/18/04 ->->-> Will be July babies

Boy/Girl Twins

[Guest guest]

Toi - I too have wondered about a possible bite to the newborn. I am

in Denver and have no AC so they do get in the house. Luckily I have

had West Nile (very mild case too) last summer and they feel like the

antibodies I have for it will be passed to the baby in my breast milk

for a while. The baby is due in September and I will breast feed at

least until I have to return to work in 6 weeks. By that time the

mosquito season should be over for the year and no worries about west

nile until next year. It is good to know though that I can use Deet

on a baby. - Diane

> With the mosquito season quickly approaching...

>

> I was wondering if any of you have spoken with your OBGyn's about

> the dangers of West Nile virus and how to prevent the disease.

>

> Living in Colorado, where the incidence rate is high, I've been

> really worried about this. My OB said that the virus itself is not

> likely to cross the placental barrier, but since pregnancy can

> reduce a womans immune system, if we were bitten by an infected

> mosquito, we could end up with the more serious complications like

> encephalitis.

>

> I asked him about the use of DEET repellants, and he seemed to feel

> that since the babies are fully formed and in their growth stages,

> birth defects aren't likely to occur from the use of DEET.

>

> He felt that the risk of using DEET in small amounts (occasionally)

> was less than possible complications from WNV. He reminded me to

> cover up when outdoors at night and to get rid of all standing

water

> that may be around the property.

>

> Just thought I would pass this information and issue on so that

> everyone can be proactive. If you happen to speak with your OBs

> about this issue, please pass on your information. I think I'm a

> little freaked out about WNV and being pregnant during the summer.

>

> Toi

> EDD 8/18/04 ->->-> Will be July babies

> Boy/Girl Twins

[Guest guest]

Actually Diane I was writing more about the use of DEET on us, as

pregnant women. My concern at the moment has been the possibility of

contracting West Nile and possibly passing the virus on to the

babies. Passing the virus on to them is not likely, however, as

pregnant women we could end up with more severe cases of the

disease. I was also concerned about whether the use of DEET on

myself would have any affect on the babies that I am carrying.

My OBs advice was to use DEET, albiet sparingly, on us while we are

out and about. I will speak with the babies pediatrician about the

use of DEET on them once they are born, but until then, I'm not sure

what the concensus is for use of the chemical on infants. That will

definitely be something I write as a reminder in their baby planner,

to ask their pediatrician.

The health department has already declared this the worst year yet

for West Nile and that the highest risk season is not waiting until

late July to begin... its already started.

Take care of yourself.

Toi

> > With the mosquito season quickly approaching...

> >

> > I was wondering if any of you have spoken with your OBGyn's about

> > the dangers of West Nile virus and how to prevent the disease.

> >

> > Living in Colorado, where the incidence rate is high, I've been

> > really worried about this. My OB said that the virus itself is

not

> > likely to cross the placental barrier, but since pregnancy can

> > reduce a womans immune system, if we were bitten by an infected

> > mosquito, we could end up with the more serious complications

like

> > encephalitis.

> >

> > I asked him about the use of DEET repellants, and he seemed to

feel

> > that since the babies are fully formed and in their growth

stages,

> > birth defects aren't likely to occur from the use of DEET.

> >

> > He felt that the risk of using DEET in small amounts

(occasionally)

> > was less than possible complications from WNV. He reminded me to

> > cover up when outdoors at night and to get rid of all standing

> water

> > that may be around the property.

> >

> > Just thought I would pass this information and issue on so that

> > everyone can be proactive. If you happen to speak with your OBs

> > about this issue, please pass on your information. I think I'm a

> > little freaked out about WNV and being pregnant during the summer.

> >

> > Toi

> > EDD 8/18/04 ->->-> Will be July babies

> > Boy/Girl Twins

[Guest guest]

I was told when Isaac was a baby (born August 1999) that they don't want you

using anything with DEET in it on babies younger than two, if I remember

correctly. It *might* have been six months, but there are so many things

like that with an age limit that I can't keep it all straight anymore. They

have other insect-repellent products available for babies & toddlers, or you

can use the Avon Skin-So-Soft oil and do your best to keep them covered.

I've also seen the mosquito netting stuff that you can put over their

stroller -- that is a VERY good idea. If I had a stroller-sized baby right

now, I'd be using that stuff.

-Kris

on 5/8/04 10:25 AM, Toi at toibox_success@... wrote:

I will speak with the babies pediatrician about the

use of DEET on them once they are born, but until then, I'm not sure

what the concensus is for use of the chemical on infants. That will

definitely be something I write as a reminder in their baby planner,

to ask their pediatrician.