Wellabroad.com Blog

Being bitten by an insect is always an issue that can cause problems especially when you are traveling in areas where you don’t know the bugs to look out for. So, to reduce the possibility of being bitten by insects that can transmit disease such as malaria, dengue, and tickborne encephalitis (TBE), here is a list of precautions that can help prevent coming home and spending hours at an infectious disease doctor trying to figure out what the large growing red rash is you have:

• Use an insect repellent on exposed skin to repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other arthropods. EPA-registered repellents include products containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) and picaridin (KBR 3023). DEET concentrations of 30% to 50% are effective for several hours. Picaridin, available at 7% and 15 % concentrations, needs more frequent application. DEET formulations as high as 50% are recommended for both adults and children over 2 months of age. Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.
• When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then repellent. Repellent should be washed off at the end of the day before going to bed.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck them in as well as long pants, and hats to cover exposed skin. Try to avoid sandals.
• Inspect your body and clothing for ticks and bites during outdoor activity and at the end of the day. Wear light-colored or white clothing so ticks and bugs on you can be more easily seen. Removing bugs right away can prevent some infections.
• Apply insect repellents to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and any other gear you are carrying for greater protection. Most repellent is generally removed from clothing and gear by a single washing, but some can last up to 5 washings.
• Mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active during twilight periods (dawn and dusk or in the evening).
• Daytime biters can also transmit disease so watch out for all of them!