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, 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 DEET to exposed areas of the skin (preferably 30% DEET) every 4 hours, especially after swimming or if you have been perspiring. Be sure to treat all exposed skin.
• Sleeping under a mosquito bed 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 children, both kill insects on contact. 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.