One million people are killed worldwide by mosquitoes every year. No other living organism causes more human suffering than mosquitoes. Malaria, dengue and yellow fever cause enormous misery. Animals are also injured and killed by this vicious pest, especially dogs and horses, contracting heartworm, West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
Malaria is an ancient disease that threatens about 40% of the people in the world, primarily those living in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The use of DDT and other insecticides removed the threat of malaria from most temperate regions. However, every year malaria kills more than one million people while another 300-500 million cases of malaria are reported. For more than 50 years, antimalarial drugs have been used for treatment but even today are not available to everyone who needs them.
West Nile virus originated in Africa and then spread worldwide. It cycles between mosquitoes and birds and is then transmitted to mammals and humans by infected mosquitoes. While there are over 70 different viruses grouped under the ‘West Nile’ category, symptoms range from mild to very serious. The average time a person is sick is about two months. West Nile virus did not appear in North America until 1999. The CDC believes that over 1.5 million people are infected. Since West Nile virus is similar to other viral infections, the disease may be grossly under reported.
Sawyer Products has been providing protection against sun, contaminated water, injuries and disease-carrying bugs since 1984. The company offers high tech solutions for problems encounted in both distant wilderness and home in the backyard. They are dedicated to ridding the world of the disease and death caused by contaminated water and insect bites. In 1999, Sawyer Products acquired Coulston Products, the co-developer of permethrin. This clothing insect repellent had been used by U.S. troops.
In Africa, Sawyer partnered with the WHO to save millions of lives by designing a method allowing the use of permethrin on mosquito nets. Gear insect repellent can be used on clothing, tents and other gear. It will repel and kill mosquitoes, ticks, mites and over 50 other insect pests on contact. Clothing can be laundered six times before gear insect repellent must be reapplied. Stay safe and comfortable with this innovative product that is non-greasy, odorless and non-staining when dry. Browse the website for more information.
