Deet & Mosquitos

by Daniel Fraser

While running an adventure travel company we are regularly asked by upcoming visitors about what health precautions they should take. Within this area of question, mosquitoes invariably come up with almost all visitors. Malaria in SE Asia has been well publicized and this is no doubt one of the main health concerns of visitors coming to travel with us.

Whether to take or not to take strong anti-malaria drugs is a tough decision. There are many drugs on the market, the side effects are strong (often strange dreams are a problem) and in many cases the threat of getting malaria in the areas we visit is very low.
The best word of advice we give guests is to contact a clinic in your local that specializes in travel medicine prior to travel. Most cities have one and they can be an invaluable source of advice. Being sure that your general booster shots are up-to-date is key.
As for mosquitoes and malaria, the best thing you can do is apply repellent at dusk and dawn. It’s generally too hot during the daytime for mosquitoes so they are typically only out at these times. After all, if you don’t get bit, you won’t get it. That said, most of the areas we visit don’t hold much danger of getting malaria.

A recent online article reported some interesting findings on DEET, the main ingredient found in most bug sprays. Since it’s development in the late 1940′s, it was thought that DEET impeeded a mosquito’s ability to detect 1-octen-3-ol, a volatile substance that is contained in human sweat and breath. Scientists have now found that mosquitoes simply don’t like the smell of DEET. This could mean that there are thousands of smells/chemicals, many of them less damaging to humans than DEET, that can be used to repel bugs.

Whatever you chose to do about malaria during your time in SE Asia, you should chose a course of action that will give you the greatest piece of mind during your trip so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

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