Bite Avoidance for Travellers

When travelling to areas where malaria and other insect-borne diseases are present, protecting yourself from insect bites is crucial for your health and safety. This comprehensive guide covers effective strategies for bite prevention and management.

Understanding the Risk

Mosquitoes and other insects can transmit serious diseases including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and yellow fever. The risk varies by destination, season, and activities planned during your trip.

Effective Insect Repellents

DEET-Based Repellents

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) remains the gold standard for insect repellents:

• Use concentrations of 20-30% for most travel situations
• Higher concentrations (up to 50%) provide longer protection
• Apply every 4-8 hours depending on concentration
• Safe for adults and children over 2 months

Alternative Repellents

• Picaridin: Effective alternative to DEET, less greasy, odourless
• IR3535: Good for sensitive skin, suitable for children
• Lemon eucalyptus oil: Natural option, requires more frequent application

Protective Clothing

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially during dawn and dusk
• Choose light-colored clothing - mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors
• Treat clothing with permethrin for additional protection
• Wear closed shoes and socks rather than sandals

Environmental Protection

Accommodation

• Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodations
• Use bed nets, preferably treated with insecticide
• Check for holes in screens and repair if necessary
• Keep doors and windows closed, especially at night

Outdoor Activities

• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
• Use fans - mosquitoes are weak fliers
• Eliminate standing water around your accommodation
• Consider portable mosquito nets for outdoor dining

Application Tips

• Apply repellent to exposed skin only
• Don't apply under clothing or to covered areas
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and open wounds
• Wash hands after application
• Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating

If You Get Bitten

• Clean the bite area with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Use antihistamines for allergic reactions
• Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection
• Monitor for signs of illness and seek medical attention if symptoms develop

Special Considerations

Pregnancy and Children

• Pregnant women and young children should take extra precautions
• DEET is safe during pregnancy when used as directed
• Children under 2 months should not use DEET-based repellents
• Consider physical barriers (clothing, nets) as primary protection for infants

Combining with Sunscreen

• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent
• Allow each product to dry before applying the next
• Avoid combination products - they require different reapplication schedules