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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 or Citriodiol (lemon
eucalyptus) 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.
Travelvax Australia has extensive advice on mosquito
avoidance measures for your trip. Call 1300 360 164 for the location of
your nearest Clinic.
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