The possibility of using mosquito repellants as a means to combat Zika-carrying mosquitoes has been put in the backburner by many pregnant women due to the harm that chemicals bring. Fortunately, according to experts, mosquito repellants are considered as safe for use by pregnant women.
Dr. Dana Boyd Barr from the Emory University said that pregnant women who are living in Zika affected areas must use repellants that have high amounts of DEET. It can even be reapplied as often as possible in order to prevent mosquito bites.
In the report by Live Science, Dr. Barr said that, "Really, there's not any strength of evidence indicating that DEET is harmful to a fetus or harmful to a person." Barr has made a previous research on DEET and found that DEET is rather harmless. The use of these repellants potentially outweighs the risk that a bite of the Zika-carrying mosquito brings.
According to Dr. Barr, although the long-term effects of DEET are unknown, the possibility of such harm is nothing compared to the baby developing microcephaly. The problem that pregnant women will be facing will be far greater if they will not use a mosquito repellant.
Since there is no exact treatment for the virus, prevention is still the main defense. The use of DEET repellants can help in protecting pregnant women, children, and adults alike against mosquito bites.
An article published in Baby Center said that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), considered mosquito repellants as safe even when used by pregnant women. With the outbreak of the Zika virus, pregnant women should be keener in protecting themselves from all types of mosquito-borne viruses.
Other products that are considered effective repellants include those that contain IR3535 and picaridin. Natural options like oil of lemon eucalyptus and citronella are also good, however, their efficacy does not last long, compared to DEET, IR3535 and picaridin. Other ways to protect oneself from mosquito bites is to resort to mosquito netting and wearing pants and long sleeves.
With the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases, it is better to be on the safe side. Pregnant women, especially those in Zika-affected areas, must start using repellants to prevent those dangerous mosquito bites.
