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Protection Against Mosquitos and Other Arthropods

The occurrence of mosquito and other arthropod bites can be minimized by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to reduce exposed skin. Repellents applied to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and other gear will enhance protection. Tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks will increase protection. Boots also decrease the risk of bites. During outdoor activities and at the end of the day, travelers should inspect themselves and their clothing for ticks. Prompt removal of ticks may prevent infection.

Bednets provide protection and comfort when accomodations are not adequately screened or air-conditioned. Bednets should be tucked under mattresses and can be sprayed with repellent. Aerosol insecticides and mosquito coils may help to clear rooms of mosquitos; however, some coils contain DDT and should be used with caution.

Repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethylmeta-toluamide) are commonly available and effective against mosquitos, ticks, and other arthropods when applied to skin or clothing. Repellents with DEET concentrations of about 30% are quite effective and should last for about four hours. The possibility of adverse reactions to repellents can be decreased by taking the following precautions:

• Apply repellents sparingly only to exposed skin or clothing
• Avoid high concentrations of DEET
• Do not inhale, ingest, or get into the eye
• Avoid applying to children's hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth
• Never use on wounds or irritated skin
• Wash repellent-treated skin after coming indoors
• Pregnant and nursing women should minimize use

Permethrin is also a highly effective repellent and insecticide for use on clothing, shoes, bednets, and camping gear. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitos, and other arthropods and retains this effect after repeated laundering.