Mosquito issues
I try not to be too worried about West Nile Virus. From the CDC:
I haven't used DEET-based bug juice in years. In my experience, the only failsafe method of preventing mosquito bites is to stay indoors. In the BWCA, I prefer long sleeves and when they're really bad I'll use a bandana, hood, or escape to a tent. Mosquitos in the face is bad enough, but reeking like chemicals and melting holes in your drybags? (not to mention that new Gore-Tex jacket...) No thanks.
And maps from the Minnesota Department of Health show only a single case of human WNV in St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties in 2002-04.
- About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness.
- Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
I haven't used DEET-based bug juice in years. In my experience, the only failsafe method of preventing mosquito bites is to stay indoors. In the BWCA, I prefer long sleeves and when they're really bad I'll use a bandana, hood, or escape to a tent. Mosquitos in the face is bad enough, but reeking like chemicals and melting holes in your drybags? (not to mention that new Gore-Tex jacket...) No thanks.
posted by
bluecanoe at
6:14 PM --- link and comments
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4 Comments:
What words of wisdom can you offer regarding leeches in the Boundary Waters?
Leeches, hmm... In terms of prevention, all you can really do is try to avoid wading near muddy shorelines or rocky creeks. Waders or boots will obviously help prevent getting "leeched".
Once you've got one, salt is a sure-fire way to get a leech to let go. The saliva of leeches contains an anti-coagulant, so it may take longer than expected for the bleeding to stop.
If you paddle and portage in sandals like I do, it's worth checking your feet, particularly between the foot and sandal, after suspect waters.
As far as I know, leeches are more gross than dangerous, and I haven't heard of any leech-borne diseases.
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