Tips to protect your child from mosquito-borne diseases

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Doctors are warning the public about mosquito-borne viruses after six children were admitted to an East Tennessee hospital with the La Crosse virus.

“I know it actually works to keep mosquitoes away,” said Lisa Reed, a Nashville mom.

It's a preventative measure that Reed said is even more important after six cases of a mosquito-borne disease called La Crosse were hospitalized in East Tennessee.

“It's awful to have an 11-year-old son who loves to go outside and play,” Reed said.

She's not the only mother in Nashville who's worried about this.

“I'm shocked. He's pretty shaken up. I'm worried,” Dwayne Small said as he and his 11-year-old son left an event at a Nashville park on Wednesday.

WSMV4 asked doctors at Vanderbilt University what parents should do to protect their children from mosquito-borne viruses such as La Crosse, West Nile and EEE.

“Use insect repellent whenever you are outdoors, and this is especially important early in the morning and evening,” said Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University.

According to Schaffner, however, that is not all parents can do to keep their children safe.

“If you are outside because of the heat, wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants. This gives mosquitoes less surface area to attack,” says Schaffner.

The Knox County Health Department said the children were hospitalized because more severe cases were occurring in children under 16 in La Crosse.

“He plays outside every day, so that’s concerning,” Small said.

While parents should apply insect repellent to their children, doctors also advise them to avoid forested areas and remove standing water near their homes to prevent mosquitoes from using it as a breeding ground.

“I don't want to say you should stop your kids from going outside, because then you decide whether or not you allow them to have fun,” Reed said. “If anything, make sure you don't clear the splashing water out of the way.”

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