Staying Healthy

For our client's convenience and well-being, we periodically feature information on specific health issues. The article below focuses on the dangers travelers may face from mosquito-borne illness and suggests various preventative measures.

While vaccines and drugs are commonly available to protect travelers against mosquito-borne diseases, like yellow fever and malaria, travelers should also use repellents and other general, protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.

General Preventative Measures

 The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to avoid mosquitoes. Wherever possible and practical, avoid areas where mosquitoes are present-- such as open spaces. Many mosquito and midge-borne diseases are seasonal; a simple change to your itinerary can greatly reduce the risk of acquiring these diseases. Do research to determine when insect activity is at its peak and plan your trip around these dates.
 
You should also consider changing your pattern of activity to avoid dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are known to be at their most active. Try to avoid outdoor activities at these times. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats minimizes areas of exposed skin. Shirts should be worn tucked into pants and apply repellents to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets and other gear. These preemptive measures will enhance your protection.
 
When exposure to ticks or biting insects is a possibility, tuck your pants or trousers into your socks and wear boots instead of sandals. A suitable repellent may also be applied as additional protection. Whenever possible during and at the end of your outdoor activities, be sure to inspect yourself and your clothing for ticks. Ticks are detected more easily on light-colored or white clothing. Prompt removal of attached ticks can prevent some infections.
 
Sometimes where accommodations are not adequately screened or air conditioned, bed nets are essential to provide protection and comfort. Bed nets should be tucked under your mattress and can be sprayed with a repellent. Aerosol insecticides can also be used to help to clear rooms of mosquitoes.

General Guidance in Applying Repellents

• Follow the manufacturer's directions for applying insect repellant. 
• Use enough repellent to fully cover exposed skin or clothing, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.  Do not apply repellent to skin underneath clothing.  A heavy application is not necessary to achieve adequate protection.
• Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• When you return indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. 
• Do not inhale the aerosol. To avoid inhalation, do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas. 
• Do not apply products directly to the face.  Spray a small amount onto your hands.  Then rub your hands carefully over your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. 
• When using repellent on a child, apply it to your hands and then rub your hands on the child's exposed skin.  Avoid the child's eyes and mouth; apply sparingly around the ears. 
• Do not apply repellent to children's hands (as children tend to put their hands in their mouths quite frequently). 
• Do not allow children less than ten years of age to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. 
• Keep repellents out of reach of children. 
• Protect infants, particularly those less than 2 months of age, by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.