Mosquito bites when travelling

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There are various tropical diseases that can be transmitted to human beings through mosquito bites.  

In some cases, there are vaccines or medicines that are useful for preventing the disease, as is the case with yellow fever or malaria. But in other cases, the only tool to reduce the risk of disease is preventing bites.  

In these cases, all travellers who go to tropical zones are recommended to employ the following anti-mosquito measures:  

Insecticide

Use mosquito repellent specifically for tropical areas. It should be applied to all exposed areas of the body, especially when doing outdoor activities. Its use is recommended throughout the whole journey, day and night, for stays in both rural and urban areas.  

Repellents containing ≥20% DEET are the most recommended. Alternatively, repellents based on other compounds such as icaridin (>20%), IR3535 (>30%) or PMD (>30%) can be used.  

If you are also using sun protection, it should be applied first. Then apply the repellent after 10-15 minutes.  

Bed covered by a mosquito net

Sleep with mosquito nets permeated with repellent, or in rooms with air conditioning.  

Long-sleeved clothes and closed shoes or travel clothes

Wear suitable clothing. Cool clothing in light colours that covers as much of the arms and legs as possible.  

Correct vaccination

Vaccination or specific medication are additional preventative measures to prevent certain diseases. 

The risks may vary widely depending on the characteristics of the trip (destination, duration, type of trip), as well as the traveller’s personal conditions (age, pregnancy, chronic diseases, etc.). You are therefore advised to seek medical advice before a trip, in order to personalise the recommendations for each situation.  

The donations that can be done through this webpage are exclusively for the benefit of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona through Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica and not for BBVA Foundation, entity that collaborates with the project of PortalClínic.

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