When traveling abroad, especially to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are common, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect yourself. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay safe from mosquito bites:
- Research Your Destination
- Know the Risks: Find out if your destination is prone to diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, or yellow fever. The risk level may vary by region and season.
- Vaccinations and Medications: Consult a healthcare professional about necessary vaccinations or preventative medications, such as antimalarial drugs, before traveling.
- Use Insect Repellents
- DEET-Based Repellents: Choose repellents containing DEET (20-50% concentration is effective). Apply it to exposed skin and clothing.
- Alternative Repellents: If you prefer, use alternatives like picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535. These are effective as well, but may need to be reapplied more frequently.
- Application Tips: Apply sunscreen first (if outdoors), let it dry, and then apply the repellent. Reapply as directed, especially after sweating or swimming.
- Wear Protective Clothing
- Long-Sleeved Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize skin exposure.
- Light-Colored Clothing: Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so choose light-colored clothing.
- Permethrin-Treated Clothing: Consider treating your clothing with permethrin, a repellent that can last through multiple washes, or buy pre-treated clothing.
- Sleep Under Mosquito Nets
- Bed Nets: If you’re staying in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, sleep under a mosquito net, preferably one treated with insecticide.
- Portable Nets: Carry a portable mosquito net if your accommodation doesn’t provide one. Ensure the net is free of holes and is tucked under your mattress.
- Stay in Air-Conditioned or Screened Rooms
- Accommodation: Opt for lodging with air conditioning or screened windows and doors. Mosquitoes are less likely to enter air-conditioned environments.
- Fan Use: If air conditioning isn’t available, using a fan can help keep mosquitoes away as they struggle to fly against strong air currents.
- Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity Times
- Dusk and Dawn: Mosquitoes, especially those that transmit malaria, are most active during dusk and dawn. Minimize outdoor activities during these times, or take extra precautions.
- Daytime Protection: Other mosquitoes, like those that spread dengue and Zika, are active during the day. Remain vigilant and protected at all times.
- Avoid Stagnant Water
- Mosquito Breeding Sites: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so avoid areas with standing water like ponds, puddles, or poorly drained areas.
- Check Accommodations: Ensure your accommodation is free from standing water, and if you’re staying in a tropical region for an extended period, consider checking for and draining any stagnant water around your living area.
- Use Mosquito Coils and Electric Devices
- Coils and Sprays: In areas with high mosquito activity, use mosquito coils or insecticide sprays indoors to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
- Plug-In Devices: Electric devices that emit insecticide vapour can also help keep mosquitoes out of your room.
- Treat Bites Promptly
- Anti-Itch Creams: Carry anti-itch creams or antihistamines to treat bites and reduce itching.
- Avoid Scratching: Scratching can lead to infections, so try to avoid it as much as possible.
- Stay Informed
- Monitor Health Alerts: Stay informed about any outbreaks or mosquito-related health alerts in your destination.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you develop symptoms like fever, headache, or rash after being bitten, seek medical attention promptly, as these could be signs of a mosquito-borne disease.
- Pack a Travel First Aid Kit
- Include insect repellent, antihistamines, after-bite treatments, and any necessary medications or health documents related to mosquito-borne disease prevention.
Following these tips can significantly reduce your risk of mosquito bites and enjoy your travels with greater peace of mind.
It is important to remember that the GHA does not offer any travel advice or offer any travel vaccines, unless it is essential for a Civil Servant or Public Sector employees to travel as part of their professional remit. If you require any travel advice, you will have to acquire this via a private medical clinic, who can also administer the correct vaccines for your region of travel.
The GHA can off post exposure advice if you have been infected by mosquitoes, rabies from an animal or other disease.
You can also check the travel advice for different countries and region in this link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
For more information about mosquitoes, how to repel them and what actions to take in Gibraltar please read the leaflet from the link below.
