West Nile Virus

Schools, Day Camps and Child Care

Are children or infants at greater risk for becoming infected with West Nile virus?

Children and infants are not at greater risk than other individuals for becoming infected with West Nile virus but anyone who is infected can potentially develop severe West Nile virus disease (e.g. encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis). In 2003 and 2004, 125 children under age 15 years in the US were reported with West Nile encephalitis or meningitis.

If a child is bitten by a mosquito should he or she be tested for West Nile virus?

Most mosquitoes are not infected with West Nile virus and illnesses related to mosquito bites are uncommon. However, if your child develops symptoms such as fever, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, or if his or her eyes become sensitive to light, you should consult your child's doctor immediately. Patients with mild symptoms should recover completely, and do not require any specific medication or laboratory testing.

Are children at risk for becoming infected with West Nile virus while attending school, camp or playing outdoors?

Anyone can become infected with West Nile virus if bitten by an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that most commonly carry West Nile virus are generally more active during evening, nighttime and dawn hours, so children who attend school, camp or go on trips during the daytime are at low risk for mosquito bites.

However, mosquitoes can still be active during the day in areas where there are weeds, tall grass, bushes or areas with known high mosquito activity. Precautions should be taken to protect your child from mosquito bites if a child will be in or near areas where mosquitoes are active, or if playing outside at dusk, night time or at dawn. Parents should help their child take protective measures as described below.

What can I do to help protect my child from West Nile virus?

Children need an adult's help in taking precautions against mosquito bites. The same precautions apply to children in school, camp or day care settings as in home settings. When children will be in areas where mosquitoes are active, adults should take the following precautions:

• If weather permits, dress your child in protective clothing such as long pants, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
• Repellents with less than 10% DEET or picaridin can be applied on children by an adult. Always read the repellent’s label prior to applying to your child.
• Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus can be applied on children OVER the age of three years old. Read the label and follow instructions carefully.
• Repellents should not be applied to infants UNDER the age of 2 months.
• To protect infants from mosquito bites, use non-chemical ways to deter biting insects such as long sleeved clothing, window and door screens, and netting over strollers and playpens.

For more information on repellents, see the DOHMH fact sheet on Insect Repellent Use & Safety

Are there any health risks to children from mosquito repellents?

As with chemical exposures in general, children may be at greater risk for adverse reactions to repellents, in part, because their exposure may be greater. Skin reactions and eye irritation can occur in some people with increased sensitivity to repellents or if repellents are used improperly. Over the long history of repellent use there have been some reports of central nervous system problems in children ranging from slurred speech and confusion to seizures and coma following the improper application of DEET. The following precautions should always be taken when applying repellents to children:

• Read the label completely before applying repellent to children and follow directions for use.
• Do not allow children to apply repellents themselves.
• Do not spray repellent directly on to children. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. Do not apply on hands or near eyes and mouth of young children.
• Wash all treated skin and clothing with soap and water after returning indoors and wash hands before eating.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Avoid prolonged or excessive use of repellent and use repellent sparingly to cover exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply to skin covered by clothing.

Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call 311 or the NYC Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS (764-7667).

Is New York City planning to spray pesticides for mosquito control?

New York City sprays pesticides to target adult mosquitoes if there is a risk to human health from West Nile virus. Spraying will only be in areas most at risk for West Nile virus occurrence and will be conducted by experienced and licensed applicators who are required to follow New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and EPA requirements. The City is hopeful that with an early and aggressive campaign against mosquito breeding areas, the need for the spraying of pesticides will be reduced.

Will spraying be scheduled during school or camp hours?

No. New York City will only spray for mosquito control in the evenings or preschool hours of the morning. Residents will learn about spraying schedules through public service announcements, the media, the City's website (nyc.gov/health), and through 311.

What health risks are posed to children from pesticides sprayed to control West Nile virus?

If pesticides are sprayed to control adult mosquitoes, the products that will be applied will be used according to guidelines set by the EPA and the NYSDEC. In the small amounts used, these pesticides are not expected to cause health problems. However, some people may be more sensitive to such pesticides. The chance of exposure can be greatly reduced by following the suggestions below. Persons directly exposed to these pesticides may experience short-term eye or throat irritation or rash. There may be an odor associated with pesticides, but it will pass in a few hours. Anyone experiencing persistent or significant adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call the NYC Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS or (212) 764-7667.

If the City sprays pesticides in an area where I am, what should I do during the spraying?

When pesticide spraying occurs, DOHMH recommends that all individuals in the spray area take the following precautions to avoid direct exposure to pesticides and reduce the risk of reactions:

• Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying.
• Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.
• Air conditioners may remain on. But if you wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the re-circulate function.
• Remove children's toys, outdoor equipment and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, wash with soap and water before using again.
• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
• Always wash your produce thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.

Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call 311 or the NYC Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS (764-7667).

For more information on West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health/wnv.