Insect (including mosquito) bites

Preventing bites from Mosquitos, Flies, Bugs and Ticks

MOSQUITOES (Vector of Malaria, Dengue, Yellow Fever, Japanese B and St Louis Encephalitis, Bancrofti Filariasis).
Wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Use insect repellents on exposed surfaces.
Many skin preparations are available, mostly containing di-ethyltoluamide(DEET). For those allergic to DEET alternatives include Eucalyptus oil contained in 'Mosiguard' or Neem tree oil which may be available in Asia.
Use a mosquito net when sleeping in unscreened accommodation. Mosquito nets should ideally be impregnated with an insecticide. Many outdoor shops now stock nets and it can be helpful to practise erecting nets before departure.

BLACKFLIES (Vector of Onchocerciasis), TSETSEFLIES (Vector of African trypanosomiasis), SANDFLIES (Vector of Leishmaniasis).
Avoid unnecessary work or sleeping in infested areas. Blackflies breed in fast flowing water. Clothing should cover as much of the body as possible. Flies can pass through nets but impregantion with an insecticide can often overcome this. Insect repellents should be used and local advice should be sought by those staying in rural infested areas for long periods.

BUGS (Vector of South American Trypanosomiasis - Chagas Disease).
Bugs live in the walls of mud houses and only come out at night. Ideally avoid sleeping in these houses and sleep well away from walls. Mosquito nets can provide protection.

TICKS (Vector of Lyme disease, Tick-borne Typhus, Babesiosis and some other fevers such as Rocky Mountain Spotted fever).
Bites from these insects are unusual in organised tourists. Ticks normally become attached to skin or clothing after brushing against bracken, long grass etc. and then migrate to warm moist ares of the body such as groins or axillae to feed.
Avoid unnecessary exposure in infested areas. Keep to paths. Clothing should especially cover the legs with "socks outside trousers". Insect repellants can be used to impregnate clothing.
Ticks should always be removed as soon as possible ideally with tweezers hooked under the tick's body. Applying grease such as vaseline or butter to the site of attachment for ten minutes may help. They do not normally feed for about 24 hours during which time infection risks are small.