ST. LOUIS - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its recommendations on insect repellents to use for effective protection against mosquitoes 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, which is new to the United States. Picaridin is proven to be as effective as DEET, but is more pleasant to use.
The CDC notified the manufacturer of the only Picaridin-based repellent sold in the United States of its decision last week. The manufacturer is Rayovac, of Atlanta, which markets Cutter AdvancedT Insect Repellent with Picaridin.
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, according to a survey commissioned by the Harvard University School of Public Health. Because Picaridin is odorless and has a light, clean feel, it will be an appealing alternative for consumers who are dissatisfied with the way DEET-based repellents smell and feel.
Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent will be the first brand in the United States to feature Picaridin. Picaridin, developed by Bayer in the late 1980s, works the same way as DEET in that it blocks an insect's ability to locate those who have applied it. Both field and lab studies conducted by the World Health Organization have shown that Picaridin is comparable to and often superior to DEET for long-lasting, effective protection. Picaridin is currently one of the top selling active ingredients in mosquito repellents in Europe.
With active ingredient Picaridin, Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent will provide Americans with the same long-lasting, effective protection against mosquitoes, biting flies, no-see-ums, fleas, and other biting insects as DEET-based repellents. In addition, it is fragrance free and does not need to be washed off when returning indoors. Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent is available at leading mass retailers, grocery and drug stores, home centers and hardware stores, and is priced comparable to current DEET-based repellents.
For more information on Picaridin, visit www.picaridin.com. And for more information on Cutter Advanced, visit www.cutteradvanced.com.
About Rayovac Corporation
Rayovac recently announced its intention to change its corporate name to Spectrum Brands, Inc. effective May 2, 2005, a change that was approved by shareholders at the company's annual meeting earlier today. The stock will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SPC beginning on May 2. Rayovac believes the new name better reflects its growth strategy of expanding its portfolio of world-class consumer product brands in a broad array of growth categories.
Rayovac is a global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, lawn and garden care products, specialty pet supplies, shaving and grooming products, household insecticides, personal care products and portable lighting. Rayovac's products are sold by the world's top 20 retailers and are available in over one million stores in 120 countries around the world. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Rayovac generates approximately $2.5 billion in annual revenues and has approximately 9,300 employees worldwide. The company's stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ROV.
For more information, contact:
Vicki Boutwell, Fleishman-Hillard
314-982-9127, boutwelv@fleishman.com