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NY Atty General Official Warns Consumers about Deceptive Ads for 'Zika-Preventive' Products

www.ag.ny.gov

New York State officials are trying to stop companies from marketing products they say prevent or protect against the Zika Virus. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today sent cease-and-desist letters to seven companies that are taking advantage of public concern about the outbreak.

“Some of the marketing campaigns aim to people’s desire to protect their children are absolutely shameless. My office would not tolerate deceptive advertising under any circumstances, but certainly not deceptive advertising that could put people at risk of a serious disease by telling them this provides real protection.”

Schneiderman says products such as ultrasonic devices, botanical oil-based and Vitamin B-based repellents have been proven to be ineffective.

Credit twitter.com/AGSchneiderman
New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has issued cease-and-desist letters to seven companies that market products claimed to prevent or protect against the Zika virus.

“This has no basis in any scientific evidence of any kind. Taking vitamin B is good for you for other reasons. I don’t want to discourage people from taking Vitamin B. Don’t think it’s protective you and your kids from Zika. Again, we have sent cease-and-desist letters. They are lying to consumers, exploiting fears about a real public health crises. Just to make a buck. We’re not gonna put up with it.”

Schneiderman urged consumers to use EPA-registered insect repellents containing ingredients that have been clinically proven to repel mosquitoes and other diseases caused by insects.

New York City Health Commissioner Doctor Mary Bassett says only certain insect repellents are effective at fending off the mosquito-borne virus, including those with DEET, Lemon Eucalyptus and other ingredients. She says other products could put you at risk of being bitten.

“There are no magic objects that would keep mosquitoes at bait. Bracelets, ultrasonic repellers, shield bands will not protect you from a mosquito bite. Don’t waste your money on these products. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”

Bassett warned that pregnant women should avoid travelling to Zika-affected areas including most of Latin America and the Caribbean and areas near Miami. Schneiderman says the New York City area has seen more than 350 travel-related cases.

Consumers are also advised to follow CDC recommendations to protect against the Zika virus:

?       Avoid travel in areas with active mosquito-borne transmission of the Zika virus. These areas can be found on the CDC’s website.

?       If one must travel to one of the identified areas, consumers should:

?       Wear pants and long sleeves,

?       Stay in places with air conditioning and screens on windows and doors,

?       Sleep under mosquito bed nets, and

?       Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase pre-treated clothing.

(www.ag.ny.gov)

Chris Bolt, Ed.D. has proudly been covering the Central New York community and mentoring students for more than 30 years. His career in public media started as a student volunteer, then as a reporter/producer. He has been the news director for WAER since 1995. Dedicated to keeping local news coverage alive, Chris also has a passion for education, having trained, mentored and provided a platform for growth to more than a thousand students. Career highlights include having work appear on NPR, CBS, ABC and other news networks, winning numerous local and state journalism awards.