Preventing insect bites

Malaria is not the only disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes - Dengue Fever is becoming increasingly more common in tropical climates.

First line protection for the traveller against any insect borne disease is not getting bitten in the first place.

Risk of contracting certain diseases varies with location of your accommodation and for those travelling to rural areas certain risks increase.

Mosquitoes

While malaria mosquitoes feed between dusk and dawn, other types of mosquitoes carrying different diseases bite at other times of day. It is important to discuss with your Travel Health advisor

when you are at risk of mosquito borne disease and
what time of day carries the greatest risk.

Mosquitoes tend to respond to light in their feeding habits, some preferring daylight, others darkness.

Malaria mosquitoes usually prefer low light hours after dusk until dawn. Dengue mosquitoes' peak biting times are the few hours before dusk and the few hours after dawn and are present during the day light hours.

Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by applying a good mosquito repellent to exposed areas every 6 hours. Clothes can also be impregnated with repellent for further protection. If wearing sunscreen, apply your repellent on top.

Keep your legs and arms covered with clothing to lower risk of bites on the skin. Avoid wearing dark colours, as they can attract mosquitoes. While mosquitoes are able to bite through many materials, canvas mosquito boots and thick denim jeans will make it more difficult in rural areas, where the risks are always the greatest.

Use a 'knock-down' spray in the evening to get rid of mosquitoes before going to sleep. Avoid strong perfumes, hair sprays or after-shaves as they can read more