Mosquitoes, how can we protect ourselves from mosquito bites?
Epidemics caused by viruses spread by mosquitoes are occurring more and more frequently. Although most types of mosquitoes are just a nuisance, some spread viruses that can cause serious discomfort. For most mosquito-borne viruses, no vaccines or specific medications are available. Mosquitoes bite day and night, live both indoors and outdoors, and seek out warm places as temperatures begin to drop.
Avoiding mosquito bites remains the first line of defense. Repellents, such as mosquito spray products, usually work by providing a vapor barrier that discourages mosquitoes from coming into contact with the skin surface, thus playing an important role in reducing the risk of bites.
Table of Contents
- Choosing appropriate clothing
- Using an anti-mosquito repellent on all exposed skin areas
- Using an appropriate insecticide
- Reducing risks at home
- Reducing risk during travel
- Infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes
What could be more annoying on a warm summer evening than the menacing buzzing of mosquitoes? Unfortunately, these almost ubiquitous insects are not just a nuisance, but can also be dangerous. This is because mosquitoes can transmit a range of serious infectious diseases.
Especially during travel and vacations, when we spend more time outdoors, we can be exposed to the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, or Zika. Although vaccines are available to prevent infections (e.g., yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis), and chemoprophylaxis medications can help prevent malaria, all travelers should also use anti-mosquito repellent and other general protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.
1. Choosing appropriate clothing
Choose to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and trousers when spending time outdoors. Also, wear socks and shoes where possible. Clothing pre-treated with insecticides can provide extra protection, but remember that repellent must still be applied to exposed skin.
2. Using an anti-mosquito repellent on all exposed skin areas
The most common mosquito repellents contain DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil, also known as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
The type of repellent used determines how long the substance will protect against mosquito bites, with higher concentrations providing longer periods of protection.
Apply the anti-mosquito solution to all exposed skin areas after using sunscreen. Avoid applying the repellent near the eyes and mouth or over open wounds, damaged skin, or scrapes. Always follow the instructions on the product label.
It is important to reapply repellent after swimming. The duration of protection provided by repellents is also reduced by perspiration, such as during intense activities or in hot weather, so it may need to be reapplied more frequently.
Most repellents are safe for use on children aged 3 months and older when used according to instructions, although some formulations are recommended only for children aged 12 months and older – always check the product label for the recommended age of use.
Klintensiv recommendation: For children over 6 months old, as well as for pregnant women, we recommend the mosquito and tick spray KLINODIOL®. Formulated with Citriodiol®, the product has an insect-repelling effect for up to 10 hours, does not leave greasy or sticky residue on the skin, and is non-toxic.
Babies under 3 months old can be protected from mosquitoes by using a stroller draped with a net that is secured along the edges.
3. Using an appropriate insecticide
Mosquito spray products should be used in addition to other measures, not as a replacement for them, such as appropriate clothing and the application of repellent.
Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects have not been proven effective in reducing the number of mosquitoes and often kill harmless insects; instead, an insecticide will act for its intended purpose.
Pay extra attention during peak mosquito activity periods to reduce the risk of infection. In general, most mosquitoes become active at dawn and dusk and into the evening. Avoid outdoor walks during these times or take additional preventive measures.
When traveling abroad, it is important to be aware of the biting patterns of local mosquitoes that transmit diseases. For example:
- Mosquitoes that transmit diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika will bite throughout the day.
- Mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active at dawn and dusk and into the evening.
4. Reducing risks at home
Mosquitoes need water to breed. Measures to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding around the home include:
- using insecticide sprays and vapor-dispensing units in areas where mosquitoes like to rest, such as cool, shaded areas in and around the house, before going out at dusk to feed;
- installing screens on windows, doors, nets, vents, and other entrances;
- cleaning the yard and removing all waste that collects water, including tires and containers;
- regularly mowing the lawn;
- filling plant pot saucers with sand to avoid stagnant water;
- storing anything that can collect water in a dry place and keeping trash cans covered;
- keeping drains and gutters clean to avoid stagnant water;
- covering septic tank openings and rainwater tanks.
- properly and regularly cleaning swimming pools, as they can become real havens for mosquitoes. (Source)
5. Reducing risk during travel
In addition to the general protective measures above, while traveling you should also:
- Choose rooms with anti-mosquito screens or air conditioning.
- If applicable, use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed or outdoors. Nets are most effective when treated with an insecticide.
- Avoid areas known for high transmission of mosquito-borne diseases or outbreaks. This is especially important for people at higher risk of complications from mosquito-borne diseases, such as pregnant women, if exposed to Zika or malaria.
Klintensiv recommendation: Stock up on supplies of repellent before leaving for your trip so that you can be safe wherever you travel.
6. Infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes
Most people have been bitten by a mosquito at some point in their lives. Usually, this causes nothing more than an extremely itchy swelling that produces considerable discomfort for a day or more. Diseases that can be transmitted in some cases are human infections caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria that are passed through the bite. Every year, over 700,000 deaths occur globally due to diseases such as malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and onchocerciasis. (Source)
Some of the infectious diseases spread by mosquito bites cannot be treated and can cause long-term problems or even death.
Malaria
Malaria is the most well-known mosquito-borne disease. It is caused by a tiny parasite that lives inside the mosquito and spreads from person to person when the insect bites. It is spread only by a certain type of insect (the Anopheles mosquito) found in certain parts of the world. The most common symptoms of malaria are fever, headache, nausea, and muscle and joint pain. People living in or visiting places where the Anopheles mosquito is found can reduce the risk of malaria by regularly taking tablets and taking measures to avoid bites.
Ross River virus infection
Widely prevalent in Australia, the Ross River virus is spread from animals to humans through several different types of mosquitoes. Although many people infected with this virus have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, others may have fever, joint pain and swelling, and a rash. There is no specific treatment, but medication can be taken to help relieve symptoms.
Barmah Forest virus infection
The Barmah Forest virus causes an illness similar to Ross River virus infection, but the symptoms usually last for a shorter period of time. The virus is spread from animals to humans through mosquitoes. Again, there is no specific treatment for this infection, but medication can be taken to help manage symptoms.
Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis is a very rare disease that involves inflammation of brain tissue. The disease is caused by infection with a virus spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The responsible mosquito breeds in surface water pools. Water birds, such as herons, are a natural reservoir for the virus. Most people infected with the Murray Valley encephalitis virus do not develop symptoms, but others may have high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, irritability, convulsions (or seizures), and drowsiness.
Dengue fever
The mosquito responsible for transmitting the dengue virus is found in most tropical areas of the world. Mosquitoes breed in containers that hold water and bite during the day, not primarily at dusk or in the evening like other types of mosquitoes. People infected with this virus may have no symptoms, but others may experience high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and extreme fatigue. In rare cases, dengue fever can be severe and even fatal.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a brain infection caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected after biting pigs infected with the virus. Japanese encephalitis occurs in parts of Asia and Papua New Guinea. Most infected people have no symptoms, but a small percentage may have severe symptoms, including headache, high fever, convulsions, and coma. There is no treatment, but a vaccine is available to protect against infection for people traveling to or residing in areas where the virus is found. (Source)
Conclusions
As can be seen, such a small insect can cause a wide range of discomfort. Fortunately, there are many protection solutions that are simple to apply. Whether it is a mosquito spray product or any other anti-mosquito solution, using a repellent is not only necessary but mandatory to protect yourself from potentially serious diseases.
Sources
Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology: Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquito Bites: Everyone is at Risk! | Division of Vector-Borne Diseases | NCEZID | CDC
What is Japanese encephalitis (and should I be worried?) – MyDr.com.au
