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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, 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.
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