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Mosquito Avoidance Measures
The risk of insect-borne diseases is greatly reduced by minimising the number of bites you receive. In the tropics, mosquitoes not only spread malaria, but also other diseases such as dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and Yellow fever. Ticks and sandflies can also spread disease, both in the tropics and other regions of the world.
Most mosquitoes feed predominantly at dusk and dawn. The malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes are night feeders and are active from dusk till dawn. However Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit Dengue fever and Chikungunya, bite mainly during the day (but they may also bite at night in brightly lit surroundings).
Some of the avoidance measures recommended by Travelvax include:
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers during risk times (light colours are better than dark).
- Avoiding scents and perfumes – they attract mosquitoes.
- Applying mosquito repellents containing 30% DEET, Citriodiol (lemon eucalyptus) or Picaridin to exposed areas of the skin, especially after swimming or if you have been perspiring. Be sure to treat all exposed skin.
- Sleeping under a mosquito net if not in screened or air-conditioned accommodation.
- Using the insecticide Permethrin to impregnate bed nets and clothing (available from your nearest Travelvax clinic). Safe for use near children. Call 1300 360 164 for more advice.
NB. Using essential oils and taking garlic or vitamin B1 has not been proven to provide effective protection.