Mosquitoes

Many diseases are transmitted by the Insect bites, especially the mosquito. Your risk of acquiring these can be greatly reduced by taking some simple precautions:

  • Cover yourself with long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and use heavy-weight clothing - mosquitoes can bite through thin cloth.
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin such as Ultrathon made by 3M.
  • Spraying Permethrin (Permanone) on clothing will increase protection.
  • Finally, protect yourself as you sleep by sleeping inside screened areas or under mosquito netting, by burning mosquito coils, or by running a fan.

Insect Repellents

Insect repellents containing at least 30% DEET (such as Deep Woods Off or Repel) or a newer long lasting non-absorbed formulation (Ultrathon by 3M, now marketed as HourGuard by Amway) should be used when traveling in areas where mosquitoes are present.

For years, repellents that contain high concentrations (95 to 100%) of DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) have been considered the most effective against mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers. However, it has been found that some people do not do well with the concentrated DEET repellents and no one should use such products for extended periods of time.

DEET is absorbed through the skin with the potential for serious adverse effects. Some people are allergic to the highest concentrations of DEET. More and more, experts are recommending that repellents should contain no more than 30% to 35% DEET. If significant amounts of DEET are absorbed through a child's skin, seizures and neurological damage can result. Therefore, repellents with high concentrations of DEET should be used sparingly on infants and young children.

Ultrathon Insect Repellent (Ultrathon made by 3M, now marketed as HourGuard by Amway) contains 35% DEET plus a polymer that reduces drug absorption and losses from moisture (sweating, swimming). It offers up to 12 hours of protection compared with 4-6 hours for the same concentration of DEET alone.

Permethrin

Spray permethrin on clothing, mosquito nets, or fabrics. Permethrin, which is actually a pesticide rather than a repellent, can be applied to clothing and fabrics for protection against both mosquitoes and ticks. It is completely safe for humans. Permethrin bonds tightly to the treated fabric, even through multiple washings. It is non-staining, nearly odorless, and resistant to degradation by light, heat and immersion in water, and lasts a minimum of 2 weeks per application.

The aerosol is available in many areas of the USA as Permanone Tick Repellent (0.5% permethrin) and is sold mostly in lawn and garden stores or sports stores.

Both Ultrathon and Permanone are also available from Chinook Medical Gear, (800) 766-1365.

Bed Nets

Mosquito bed netting is an excellent addition to your anti-mosquito arsenal. Bed netting effectiveness can be enhanced by permethrin (Duranon, Permanon) insecticide treatment. Some good screens are "The Spider," a 17-ounce, nylon net which suspends easily from the ceiling and tucks in under the mattress. The Spider is available from Chinook Medical Gear, (800) 766-1365, for about $60. For the traveler who will be spending more time in one location, "La Mosquitte," is a rectangular net supported by lightweight aluminum poles. La Mosquitte is available from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT), (716) 754-4883, for about $90.