Insect Repellent Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 6th, as a way to promote awareness about the importance of insect repellent for preventing insect-borne diseases and promoting safety and protection outdoors. This holiday is a time to educate individuals and communities about the risks of insect-borne diseases and the importance of using effective insect repellent to stay safe and healthy. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of Insect Repellent Awareness Day, the risks of insect-borne diseases, and the importance of using insect repellent to stay protected.
| When is it? | Every |
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| Tagged as |
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| What’s the hashtag? | #InsectRepellentAwarenessDay |
| When was it founded? | 2014 |
| Who founded it? | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine |
History and Significance of Insect Repellent Awareness Day
Insect Repellent Awareness Day was first celebrated in 2014 by the National Pest Management Association, as a way to promote awareness about the importance of using insect repellent to prevent insect-borne diseases. The purpose of this holiday is to educate individuals and communities about the risks of insect-borne diseases and the importance of using effective insect repellent to stay safe and healthy.
Risks of Insect-Borne Diseases
Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can carry and transmit a variety of diseases, including:
1. West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, headaches, body aches, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms like encephalitis and meningitis.
2. Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause fever, headaches, joint pain, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms like facial paralysis and meningitis.
3. Zika Virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and in pregnant women, can lead to birth defects like microcephaly.
Importance of Using Insect Repellent
Using effective insect repellent is an important way to protect yourself and your family from insect-borne diseases. Here are some tips for using insect repellent effectively:
1. Choose the Right Repellent
Choose a repellent that contains at least 20% DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 for effective protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
2. Apply Repellent Correctly
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing, following the instructions on the label. Avoid applying repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to reduce the amount of exposed skin and make it harder for insects to bite.
4. Use Other Protective Measures
Use other protective measures, like mosquito nets, window screens, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito and tick activity times.
Conclusion
Insect Repellent Awareness Day is a holiday that promotes awareness about the importance of using insect repellent to prevent insect-borne diseases and promote safety and protection outdoors. Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can carry and transmit a variety of diseases, and using effective insect repellent is an important way to protect yourself and your family from these risks. By educating ourselves and our communities about the risks of insect-borne diseases and the importance of using insect repellent, we can enjoy the outdoors safely and without worry.