MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein have launched Nassau County’s Child Safe Summer initiative, a multimedia awareness campaign for summer safety concerns. With the recent increase in tick and mosquito borne illnesses, it is more important than ever to be diligent of bugs and bites when outdoors with your family. The new website nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer, provides the latest safe summer health updates, advice, alerts and information.
“Summer insect encounters are inevitable, but you can protect yourself and your family from harmful mosquito, tick, and other bug bites,” said County Executive Curran. “Dress smart, apply and reapply insect repellant — and always make sure to check for ticks when returning from outdoor activities.”
“Prevention remains the most effective method to protect yourself and your family from tick and mosquito bites,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein. “Taking simple precautions can prevent potentially serious diseases caused by these bites.”
County Executive Curran suggests following the tips below to help kids stay safe this summer and all year long. For more information, please visit: nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer.
INSECT SAFETY TIPS
TICKS
- Avoid tick infested areas – Overgrown grass, brush, leaf litter. Walk and hike in the center of trails.
- Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
- Check clothing and exposed skin frequently while outdoors.
- Wash treated skin after returning indoors, bathe or shower.
- Do a full body check for ticks.
- If you think you have been bitten by a tick, see your physician.
MOSQUITOS
- Most mosquitos that transmit disease can breed in small amounts of water in your yard
- Eliminate standing water from containers, flowerpots, watering cans, buckets, old tires, recycling bins and gutters.
- Clear leaves and debris to allow water to flow freely from roof gutters.
- Maintain your lawn and shrubs to prevent overgrowth.
- Use EPA approved insect repellents.
- Avoid areas with stagnant water
OTHER TIPS
- Use EPA approved insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET on clothes and skin.
- Check to ensure window and doors screens are in good repair to keep insects outside.
- If your child has a known reaction to bees or other bug stings, always bring medicine with you in case of a sting or bite
- If you don’t know whether a reaction to a bite is normal, visit a doctor