Travel Medicine Clinic at Hartshorn Health Service (970)-491-7121

In addition to Malaria and Yellow fever, diseases such as Dengue fever, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis are carried by insects and found in many regions of the world.  There are no vaccines for these diseases but protecting yourself from insect bites will help to prevent these diseases.

Avoiding Bites
Exposure to insect bites can be minimized by changing activities. Many types of mosquitoes feed between dusk and dawn.  Avoiding outdoor activities during risky times can reduce the risk of exposure.
                                                         
Physical Protection

1. Wearing loose fitting, light colored, long sleeve shirts and pants minimizes the area of exposed skin.  A wide brimmed hat will protect the head. 
2. Travelers should always wear boots or shoes (not sandals) and pants tucked into socks to avoid mosquito and tick bites.
3. Always stay in housing that is well screened and preferably air conditioned. Use fans where available because the air currents help keep mosquitoes away.
4. Consider carrying duct tape to patch tears in window screens and spaces between screens and window frames. Use bed nets when possible while sleeping.
5. Never leave your clothes on the floor.

                                               
Insect Repellents
Insect repellents containing Deet (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are the most effective and widely used. Deet has been used by the general public since 1957 and no other repellent has been found to be more effective.
Higher concentrations of DEET provide longer lasting protection.  However, there appears to be no added benefit of concentrations  greater than 50%.  The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended no more than 10% concentrations be used on children.

DEET is toxic when taken orally and may cause skin irritation in sensitive persons.  Adverse reactions from the repellent will be minimized if the following precautions are taken:     

1. Apply repellent sparingly only to exposed skin or clothing.  Minimize amount of repellent used by wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts.
2. Avoid applying near eyes, mouth or on wounds or open skin.
3. If using in conjunction with sunscreen, apply sunscreen first.
4. Wash repellent treated skin after coming indoors.
5. Do not apply repellent to children’s hands. (Children tend to put their hands in their mouths.)

Insecticides  
Permethrin  is a contact insecticide and repellent (Deet is a repellent only).  Premetherin can be used on clothes, nets, tents, curtains and gear. When applied to clothing it will repel or kill mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and mites.  Do not apply permethrin to skin as skin deactivates it.  There appears to be little potential for toxicity from permethrin-treated clothing.  A few cases have reported minor rashes from skin contact.

Permethrin can be used either by spraying or soaking clothing and gear.  Once done, clothing and gear can be protected up to two weeks and after multiple launderings. 

A permethrin based aerosol can be used to rid your sleeping quarters of insects that might have entered your room.  Spray your sleeping quarters one hour before bedtime to help guarantee an insect-free environment.  Note:  When spraying indoors, vacate the sprayed areas until the product “settles.”  Avoid spraying food or eating surfaces.