Although vaccines or tablets are available against important insect borne diseases such as Yellow Fever, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis, they are not 100% protective. Unfortunately there are no vaccines for most other mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever. General protective measures and insect repellents are essential when travelling.
General Protective Measures
- Most insect-borne diseases are seasonal. Changing your itinerary to travel in a low insect season (if possible) may reduce the risk.
- Avoid outdoor activities during twilight periods at dawn and dusk as the mosquitoes and insects are most active. If outside, use repellents and mosquito coils.
- Repellents – Permethrin-containing repellents are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed-nets and camping gear. Permethrin treated clothing repels and kills ticks and mosquitoes and other insects for up to 5 washes. There appears to be little potential for toxicity.
- Wear a light coloured long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat to minimise exposed skin.
- Avoid perfumes, after-shave and scented body lotions as these attract mosquitoes and insects.
- For possible exposure to tick and mites, pants should be tucked into socks and boots should be worn. Not sandals. Inspect body and clothes for ticks after a day of outdoor activities.
- Use mosquito nets when staying in accommodation that is not air-conditioned or adequately screened. These need to be treated with permethrin for adequate protection.
- Aerosol insecticides should be used to clear rooms of mosquitoes and other insects before going to bed at night.
