Protection overseas

Cheap airfares have made travel to faraway places popular, but in some destinations a mosquito bite is much more than an itchy irritation. Malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and the West Nile virus are just some of the life-threatening illnesses spread by biting insects.

Pacific risk

The risks of travel in some parts of Asia, Africa and Central or South America are well known. But for Kiwi travellers the biggest risk of dengue fever is in the Pacific Islands. Of the 114 cases of dengue fever notified here in 2008, 32 were people who had been to Tonga, 20 in people returning from Fiji and 25 in those returning from Samoa.

Outbreaks of dengue fever have recently been reported in North Queensland (Cairns, Port Douglas and Townsville).

Staying protected

Travellers in these areas should use DEET at a concentration of 30 to 50 percent. If you’re adventure-trekking or spending time away from resorts you’ll need even more protection. Clothing which covers as much of the body as possible – long-sleeved shirts and trousers – will reduce the amount of DEET you need to use.

For maximum protection, use permethrin on your clothing as well as DEET on your body. Permethrin soaks into the fabric and kills insects on contact. Its protection is effective for up to two weeks, even through several washes.

Permethrin soaks and sprays for treating clothing, tents and mosquito nets are sold by some tramping and outdoor supplies stores and by travel medicine clinics. You can buy mosquito nets pre-treated with permethrin.

More information

• Advice for travellers: www.safetravel.govt.nz

Report by Bev Frederikson.