Company Donates Nearly 1 Million Repellent Wipes to California Agencies
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 29, 2007 - Spectrum Brands, the makers of Cutter Insect Repellents wants Californians to have two fewer worries this Labor Day weekend - mosquitoes and the West Nile virus (WNV). Following Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's declaration of a state of emergency to prevent the spread of WNV in Colusa, Kern, San Joaquin, and Glenn counties - the areas hit hardest by the virus - the company is donating 800,000 of its mosquito-repellent products to local agencies, as well as the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.
According to the California WNV Web site (http://www.westnile.ca.gov), as of Aug. 27, there have been eight deaths this year in California because of the virus - three in Kern County and one each in Colusa, Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles and San Joaquin counties. This is three times higher than the same time last year.
This Thursday and Friday, Aug. 30 and 31, residents of Kern, San Joaquin and Glenn Counties, can receive Cutter insect repellent wipes for free at local agencies. Wipes will be available for Colusa residents beginning Friday. The products will continue to be handed out until quantities are exhausted.
"We are proud to make this donation, and believe this is especially timely as people prepare to take advantage of nice weather this holiday weekend," said Gary Ramey, divisional vice president, Spectrum Brands. "Most people know to protect themselves from sun exposure and dehydration, but in places such as California, we're seeing another danger that should be of concern - mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus. Repellent should be the first line of defense."
California has responded to the West Nile virus emergency with insecticide spraying of public areas. However, despite the dangers of mosquito bites, only 40 percent of adults use repellents, according to industry and health agencies surveys. In one minute or less, people can protect themselves from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, and other insects by applying a repellent with an active ingredient approved by the Centers for Disease Control. In addition to DEET-based insect repellents, the CDC also recommends using repellents with Picaridin, like Spectrum Brands' CutterŪ AdvancedT Insect Repellent, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, which is marketed as CutterŪ Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent.
"There are two important criteria when choosing a repellent," said Joe Conlon, technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association and former Navy medical entomologist. "Make sure it's an active ingredient recommended by the CDC and check the percentage of that active ingredient to know how many hours of protection the repellent will provide. The most important thing is for people to pick a repellent they are going to use - and then use it."
The Cutter All Family Insect repellent wipes that are being donated by Spectrum Brands are 7.15 percent DEET and, in accordance with the CDC recommendation, can be used on adults, children and infants two months and older.
To further limit mosquito activity, Conlon also suggests inspecting door and window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering a home; using outdoor foggers and lawn sprays to kill mosquitoes where they hide; and removing standing water in birdbaths, flowerpots, pool covers, and other places water collects.
Insect repellent will be available, at no cost, at the following agencies:
Colusa County Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Division
251 E. Webster
Colusa, CA 95932
530-458-0380
Distribution Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Glenn County Health Services, Public Health Office
240 N. Villa
Willows, CA 95988
530-934-6588
Distribution Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kern County Department of Public Health, Health Promotion and Public Information
1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, 1st FL
Bakersfield, CA 93306
661-868-0554
Distribution Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District
7759 S. Airport Way
Stockton, CA 95206
209-982-4675
Distribution Hours: Monday thru Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For more information about Spectrum Brands repellents, visit http://www.cutterinsectrepellent.com. For more information about the West Nile virus and ways to protect against mosquitoes, visit http://www.cdc.gov/westnile, or http://www.westnile.ca.gov.