What steps should pregnant and breastfeeding women take to reduce their risk of getting West Nile virus?

Since there is evidence that West Nile virus could be passed through breast milk and from a mother to her unborn child, it is important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to take steps to reduce their risk of West Nile virus infection.
The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. You can do this in two ways:

1. Minimize your exposure to mosquitoes; and
2. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home and vacation property.

By taking simple precautions to lessen your chance of being bitten by a mosquito, you can also lessen your chance of getting West Nile virus.

Insect repellents can be used by pregnant women. Those containing DEET are the most effective, the most widely used, and the most studied. To date there is no evidence that DEET poses a health hazard to unborn babies. Though products containing DEET are safe when used according to directions, when choosing the type and concentration of repellant, women should take into account the amount of time they'll be outdoors, exposure to mosquitoes and the risk of WNV in the area.

Pregnant women can minimize the amount of chemicals which can be absorbed through the skin by:

• using the least concentrated product (10% DEET or less) sparingly on small, exposed areas of skin, when outside for short periods of time. As low concentrations of DEET repel mosquitoes for only 2-3 hours, for many hours outside (5-8 hrs), women should consider a second application or choosing a product with DEET percentages ranging from 15-30%.
• spraying DEET on clothes minimizes skin absorption and prevents mosquitoes bites through thin clothing.
• applying mineral oil based products such as Skin-So-Soft under clothes.

Repellants containing 2% soy bean oil are an alternative and provide protection for short periods similar to products with low concentrations of DEET (4.75%).