Dr. Goddy Corpuz, a pediatrician at Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Cedar Park, talks with MD Monthly about protecting your kids from bug bites this summer. 

MD Monthly: How do parents keep their family safe from insects this summer and avoid getting the Zika virus?

Dr. Goddy Corpuz: Nothing can ruin a perfect day outside like insect bites! From painful stings to a week’s worth of itching, we can all suffer the discomfort that bugs can bring. For little ones, it can be particularly uncomfortable. Parents need to pay particular attention to small children’s reaction to bug bites, when they do happen, to monitor whether they are allergic to certain stings and bites.

“If you’re unsure of your child’s reaction, they need to get to medical attention immediately,” said Goddy Corpuz, M.D., Pediatrician at Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Cedar Park. 

The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and may also be transmitted through sexual contact and blood transfusion. Most people infected with Zika have no symptoms, and for the one of five who do have symptoms, they are usually very mild and last five to seven days. These may include fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain and conjunctivitis. The best way to prevent Zika is to avoid mosquito bites.

“If breathing becomes difficult, get to the emergency room.”

Dr. Corpuz offers a few tips to prevent mosquito and other bites:

• If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active. Avoid areas where insects may nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
• Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hairsprays, as these increase the chance for mosquito bites.
• During mosquito season, wear socks and shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Try to avoid dressing children in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints, as they can attract insects.
• Apply mosquito spray or repellent to exposed skin. Spraying the outside of your clothing provides extra prevention. Use a repellent that contains DEET or one that has oil of lemon eucalyptus, which comes from plants.
• Don’t use DEET on infants under two months of age. Instead, use oil of lemon eucalyptus and cover your child’s stroller or playpen with mosquito netting.

“If you or your child experience rashes, muscle pain, headaches, or inflammation after being outside, seek medical attention,” said Dr. Corpuz “If breathing becomes difficult, get to the emergency room.”

*This information is intended for general knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

For more information or to contact Dr. Goddy Corpuz call 512.260.6100 or visit Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Cedar Park. Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Cedar Park is located at 910 E. Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, TX 78613.