HARD COPIES NOW AVAILABLE
WHAT: It’s That Time of the Year: Mosquitos Are Back!
TOPIC: HOW TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES
THIS SUMMER
Plus: How to steer clear of West Nile Virus.
WHO: Mosquito Expert, Former Naval Entomologist Joseph M. Conlon.
Mr. Conlon currently serves as Technical Advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association. In 1981, he was commissioned as a Navy Medical Entomologist. He retired from the U.S. Navy in August, 2000 with the rank of Commander. Mr. Conlon has testified before Congress twice regarding West Nile Virus control. He is also a member of a number state and local Mosquito Control Associations, including those in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois.
WHY:
Aside from the insufferable itch of mosquito bites, mosquitos can spread diseases. Currently, West Nile Virus is found in 47 of the 48 contiguous United States. While Washington state is the only state to be free from the disease, West Nile Virus is expected to reach the area later this year. Once West Nile Virus has been reported in a state, it does NOT go away.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to announce new recommendations on insect repellents to use for effective protection against mosquitos that may transmit the West Nile virus. In addition to DEET-based repellents, the CDC is now recommending repellents that contain the active ingredient Picaridin. According to a recent survey commissioned by the Harvard University School of Public Health, while West Nile virus continues to spread, 45 percent of U.S. adults said that they did not take any precautions against mosquito bites last summer.
Topics of Discussion/Questions will include:
n How to avoid mosquito bites this summer. What are the prime mosquito-biting hours?
n How to keep your home free of mosquitos.
n How many kinds of mosquitos are there?
n Why do mosquitos bite? Why do mosquitos leave welts when they bite?
n Why are some people more attractive to mosquitos then others?
n How long do mosquitos live?
n Where do mosquitos go in the winter?
n What is West Nile Virus and what can I do to prevent WNV?
n Why should you use mosquito repellent?
n When should you use mosquito repellent? How often should you re-apply repellents?
n What the differences are between Picaridin-based and DEET-based mosquito repellents?
This satellite media tour is sponsored by Spectrum Brands.
To request a hard copy interview with Joseph Conlon, contact: Lauren Jagnow at 212-727-1802.