By Gilbert Ross, M.D.
Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2008

LETTER
Publication Date: May 20, 2008

This letter appeared on May 20, 2008 in the New York Times :

Re "Mosquito Thrives; So Does Dengue Fever" (May 13): Today's Personal Health column rendered sage advice about avoiding mosquito exposure. I was disappointed, though, with the blithe dismissal of DDT.

Since DDT "fell out of favor" forty years ago, millions of impoverished Africans and Asians have died needlessly. However, under her section on Prevention, Jane E. Brody recommends DEET in high concentrations, and protective clothing. True enough. But increased availability and use of DDT would render her advice moot if the nesting areas of mosquitoes were eradicated.


Gilbert Ross, M.D.
New York

The writer is medical director of the American Council on Science and Health.