Avoiding mosquito bites
Mosquitos carry different diseases and not just malaria. Other insects that carry diseases as well, SEE HERE for further information.
Where and when? very common in hot tropical countries. They breed in water so there are more mosquitos near still or stagnant water, with more mozzies around in the wet season. Some bite in the day, some at dusk until dawn. Different diseases are caught at different times. Try to avoid being bitten at any time.
A meal for a mosquito? Mosquitos require a blood meal to reproduce. They are attracted to carbon dioxide from breath and skin, odours, heat, movement and lactic acid. Mozzies find some travellers tastier than others!
Insect repellent
Sun cream first then repellents. Use higher factor suncream as repellents can reduce SPF protection.
Apply to all exposed skin and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or if sweaty.
Spray into your hands, then wipe on face. Do not spray directly onto face.
Do not apply it to children’s hands.
Do not use on cuts, inflamed or irritated skin.
Check each manufacturers instructions.
Ideally products should contain
DEET ( diethyltoluamide) 20 % -50%. Use 50% in malaria areas. Can use on babies over 2 months and in pregnancy/ breastfeeding. Avoid eyes and plastics. Do not spray onto children’s faces.
Icaradin (Picardin) 20 % - Use if allergic to DEET.
IR3535 less effective and better to use one of others in malarial areas.
Lemon Eucalyptus 30%, needs more frequent application
Clothing
Wear loose fitting long clothing – mosquitos can bite through tight fitting clothes
Wear socks and shoes people!
You can impregnate / spray clothes and mosquito nets for added protection with Permethrin / 100% DEET.
Mosquito nets
Ensure the net is the right shape and size and can attach to the wall/ceiling
Make sure it is impregnated with insecticide
Check no holes or damage to net and mesh is no larger than 1.5mm
Tuck net under mattress and try and stay away from the sides when you sleep
Vaccines - Mosquito related
Yellow fever - 1 vaccine in a life time, but not suitable for everyone.
Japanese encephalitis – Two vaccines, with the second 4 weeks later. Vaccines can be given one week apart to speed things up for some travellers if needed. If there is an on going risk a booster is recommended at 12 months.
Malaria – Tablets by mouth (See malaria information)
Dengue – No vaccine.
Zika – No vaccine
References and for further information
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/38/insect-and-tick-bite-avoidance
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/mosquito-bite-avoidance