Avoid Mosquitoes and Malaria

Avoid Mosquitoes and Malaria

Savannah at Sunset

Avoid Mosquitoes and Malaria

Mosquitoes are a common annoyance wherever you are in the world. Even if you're careful to keep doors and windows closed, as soon as your head hits the pillow, you could hear the familiar buzz of a mozzie and end up getting nibbled!

Mosquito prevention

Not only are mosquitoes annoying with their irritating buzz, they can also cause very itchy and sore bites. If that's not bad enough they can spread horrible diseases like malaria and dengue fever. It's therefore best to avoid being bitten in the first place. Below are some preventative measures to make sure you stay healthy on your gap year:

  • Use insect repellent, preferably some with DEET in as it's the most effective. Check out the travel section in your local chemist. You can buy roll-on, spray and lotion. Remember to take some out with you in the evening so you can re-apply.
  • Mosquitoes like to come out to play around dusk and dawn, so keep covered up and wear a long-sleeved top and long trousers during these times.
  • At bedtime use a mosquito net if you know they are about. Mosquito nets are small and light to carry around and can be put up easily in no time. Mosquito nets should be impregnated with an insecticide.
  • Use a smoke coil or a plug-in mosquito killer to deter mosquitoes.
  • Some people say that taking Vitamin B tablets, garlic capsules or even marmite can help prevent you from being bitten.
  • Malaria tablets are great, but they are not always 100% effective. If you start to feel unwell or experience fevers, during your trip or even after your return, please do get yourself checked out by a doctor.