Shared by : Dr.Nafees Tol - Singapore
To reduce the possibility of being bitten by insects or arthropods that can transmit diseases (vector-borne), such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunia, the following precautions are recommended :
Inside the house :
1) Windows and doors should be kept closed, especially in the evening at the time of sunset.
2) Use of window screens and checking these screens at regular intervals for any holes.
3) Use air-conditioning mosquitoes do not like cold.
4) Use of electric diffuser or mosquito killer. These devises diffuse a harmless insecticide (Allethrin or Pyrethroids) in room.
5) Mosquito coils that smoulder also provide good protection.
6) Mosquito nets are the easiest, least expensive and most effective single method of preventing mosquito bites.
Outside the house :
1) Wear protective clothing. Use of light colored long sleeve shirts and long trousers.
2) Wear boots, not sandals, and tuck pants into socks.
3) Application of mosquito repellents. They are available as roll-ons, sprays, creams, and liquids. These repellents should not be applied on the irritated skin or open wounds. One must always remove the repellents by washing, before going to bed.
4) For adults the concentration of DEET repellent is around 30-35% but for children it should not be more than 10%. Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.
5) When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then repellent. Repellent should be washed off at the end of the day before going to bed.
6) Be aware that mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active during twilight periods (dawn and dusk or in the evening). Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing, and/ or sleep under an insecticide treated bed net. Bed nets should be tucked under mattresses and can be sprayed with a repellent if not already treated with an insecticide.
7) Daytime biters include mosquitoes that transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses and sand flies that transmit leishmaniasis.
8) Reduce mosquito breeding. Change the water in all flower pots every 24 hrs. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Other measures :
1) Ultrasound buzzers, they have no proven benefit.
2) Insecticide sprays, these are effective for a short time.
3) Ultraviolet lamps, they kill lot of insects, but are not very effective for mosquitoes.
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