Ben’s Offers Trusted DEET, Permethrin Repellent Products Recommended to Prevent Transmission of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

October 1, 2019

As cases spread in Massachusetts and Michigan, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends insect repellents with active ingredients DEET and Permethrin to prevent mosquito-borne illness

­­LITTLETON, N.H. (Oct. 1, 2019) — Communities across the Northeast and Upper Midwest regions of the United States are on high alert with cases of the deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) on the rise. According to media reports, more than 25 human cases of the virus, which is spread through mosquito bites, have been reported since August 1, with more than eight deaths confirmed in that period. Available in a variety of spray and wipe applications, Ben’s® Tick & Insect Repellent products provide long-lasting, effective protection with active ingredients recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing bites from mosquitos.

Usually associated with the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions of the U.S., Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus infects patients systematically or encephalitically. In the case of an encephalitic infection, EEE leads to swelling of the brain. Other symptoms associated with EEE include high fever, muscle pain, altered mental status, meningeal irritation, and photophobia. Long-term effects of EEE include paralysis and seizures. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to encephalitic infection.

There is no known treatment for EEE, which kills approximately 30 percent of those infected. The CDC recommends the prevention of mosquito bites in high-risk areas: “Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.”

Ben’s, maker of long-lasting mosquito and tick repellents, offers spray and wipe applications that contain a 30-percent DEET formula. DEET is recommended by the CDC to guard against mosquito-borne pathogens, such as EEE and West Nile Virus. Providing long-lasting protection, the unique 30-percent DEET, water-based formula found in Ben’s is made to evaporate slowly, so the repellent stays on longer with little absorption into the skin.

“Mosquito-borne illnesses such as EEE are life-altering and potentially fatal, and bite prevention is key to limiting their transmission. Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent has been trusted for more than three decades to repel mosquitoes that might carry deadly diseases like EEE,” says Aaron Baumgarten, director of product management at Ben’s. “If you think you or a family member might have EEE, we strongly recommend that you consult your healthcare provider immediately.”

Ben’s^® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent 6oz Eco-Spray^® (MSRP $7.99) The environmentally friendly 6 oz. continuous spray provides effortless, even coverage. The Eco-Spray® delivery system releases a fine mist at any angle for easy application with no ozone-depleting propellants.

Ben’s^® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes (MSRP $5.99 12/box): Individually wrapped wipes are small enough to carry wherever you go so you can always be protected and let you control the amount and location of repellent to apply.

Ben’s^® Clothing & Gear 6oz (MSRP $6.99): Ben’s^® Clothing and Gear insect treatment repels and kills biting insects, including mosquitos, on contact thanks to its 0.5% permethrin formula. The long-lasting formula bonds to the fibers in fabric for bug bite protection that lasts a minimum of 2 weeks and through several wash cycles.

These products are available for purchase nationwide at retailers including REI and Target, and online at Amazon.com.

Please direct all media inquiries to Account Manager Ethan Peck at ethan.peck@rygr.us.

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About Ben’s: Ben’s® Tick and Insect Repellent (available in 30 percent and 100 percent DEET offerings) provides up to 10 hours of protection from ticks and insects that may carry infectious diseases. Thirty percent DEET is the minimum percentage recommended by the CDC to guard against diseases transmitted by insects. www.bens30.com