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District 49 explains policy banning mosquito repellent without doctor’s note

Posted at 7:32 PM, Aug 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-14 21:33:57-04

COLORADO SPRINGS – Students at Vista Ridge High School are being bitten by mosquitoes during outside activities, but they’ll need a doctor’s note if they want to apply repellent.

District 49 outlined its policy about bug spray to News 5 Tuesday, explaining that repellent is on the state’s banned substance list. Because of that, using repellent requires a doctor’s note signed by a parent.

“The parent can certainly come to the school during those times, such as football practice, and things
like that, said Patsy Prettyman, head nurse at District 49. “They can assist their student with those measures for prevention or comfort for the student.”

The district said it treats mosquito bites by treating the bite area with ice to reduce itching.