7. Little-Known Facts About Mosquitoes
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Female mosquitoes only bite when they want to reproduce. The males
survive on flower nectar.
Studies show that mosquitoes prefer to bite men over women.
Overweight people are at a greater risk for mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes can smell your emitted carbon dioxide from over 75 feet away.
Daytime mosquitoes are more likely to carry dengue fever, while nighttime
mosquitoes carry malaria. The average lifespan of a dengue-carrying
mosquito is two weeks.
A recent study concluded that mosquitoes prefer people with "type O"
blood.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
o Low-energy mosquitoes in Southeast Asia stay close to the ground; they
tend to bite feet and legs under tables while you eat.
o Use repellent on your legs and feet before dinner.
o Mosquitoes are attracted to bright clothing. Stick to earth tones or khaki
clothing when trekking in Southeast Asia.
o Avoid sweet-smelling soaps, shampoos, and lotions in high-risk areas;
remember, mosquitoes prefer to feed on flowers when not reproducing, so
don't smell like one!
o Dusk is the time of day when you are most likely to be bitten; cover
yourself before enjoying that sunset!
o Studies show that mosquitoes are attracted to body odor and sweat.
Staying clean -- without smelling too inviting -- will help to attract less
mosquitoes; doing so may even keep your travel mates happier.
o Reapply DEET to exposed skin at least every three hours for maximum
effect.
o When checking into accommodation, close your bathroom door, spray
holes found in vents and nets with DEET, and turn over any buckets or
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stagnant water sources outside. Turn your lights off -- both inside and
outside -- before leaving; the heat and light will attract these insects.
o If you have one, use the mosquito net above your bed. Tuck in corners to
keep the net secured, and spray any holes you find with repellent.
o Burn mosquito coils -- a powder derived from chrysanthemum plants -whenever sitting outside for prolonged periods. Never burn coils inside
enclosed spaces!
Dengue Fever is occurring in this region with a severe resurgence. Southeast
Asia was recently declared the area with the greatest risk for dengue fever. The virus
has spread from only nine countries to more than 100 countries in the last 40 years.
Note: Singapore is an exception, the entire island is sprayed to control mosquito
populations. Mosquito bites are responsible for an estimated 50 million cases of
dengue fever per year. Undoubtedly, many more cases go undocumented in remote
parts of Asia. Dengue fever takes around a week to incubate after you are bitten, then
emerges in the form of a measle-like rash followed by a fever and lack of energy.
Dengue fever is transmitted mainly by the A. aegypti species of mosquitoes which
typically appear as spotted or 'tiger' mosquitoes during the daytime. No vaccination or
preventative measure exists for dengue fever; your best bet is simply knowing how to
avoid mosquito bites in the first place. Dengue fever is just another good reason why
you should get travel insurance before you leave home.
See below for more about Dengue Fever in Vietnam published by the Family
Medical Practice: Vietnam
Is DEET Safe? DEET, developed by the US Army, is short for N,N-Diethyl-metatoluamide; and yes, the chemical is as harsh as it sounds. While natural DEET
alternatives such as citronella are available, DEET unfortunately remains the most
effective choice to avoid mosquito bites. Concentrations of up to 100% can be
purchased in the US, while Canada and many other countries have regulations
preventing anything above 30%. Interestingly, higher concentrations of DEET are no
more effective for avoiding mosquito bites than lower mixtures. The difference is that
higher concentrations (50% or more) provide longer lasting protection. The safest way
to use DEET, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is to
apply a repellent containing between 30 – 50% DEET every three hours. Never use
DEET on your hands or face as it inevitably will end up in your eyes. On adventures
such as trekking active volcanoes in Indonesia, travelers are often forced to wear both
DEET and sunscreen. Always apply DEET first, then sunscreen next. Otherwise, DEET
lowers the effectiveness of your sun protection.
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Health and Safety-Medical and Insurance
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International travel always contains some degree of danger. COV travel visitors
participate at their own risk. Everything you will need to know about inoculations,
travel warnings, etc. can be found on the website www.wfubmc.edu/travel,
336 716 4395. A fantastic site! Or, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
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Medical emergency evacuation insurance is available. Check with your health
care provider.
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Check with your health care provider to determine appropriate inoculations
for Danang area. We will not be in the countryside at night. If you live in
Forsyth County, NC call “Travel Nurse” Beverly, 336-703-3184.
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Sunscreen and a hat are important due to intensity of sun, as there is very little
atmospheric pollution in Danang. Long sleeves are advised.
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Bring normal travel medications such as for stomach upset, indigestion,
headache, diarrhea, motion sickness, fallen arches, sore finger, etc.
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A parent or legal guardian must accompany visitors under the age of 18.
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Insurance Considerations
Medical emergency evacuation insurance is available (see above). Check your
health care provider.
You may want to consider short-term travel life insurance and travel cancellation
insurance in the event you become ill or cannot depart on schedule is available. AAA
has a package for all above coverage and is available to nonmembers, 866 455
6111.
AAA has a package for all above coverage and is available to non-members, 866
455 6111.
Western health and dental clinics in Danang
Family Medical Practice
50 - 52 Nguyen Van Linh Street Nam Dung Ward
Hai Chau District, Danang
Dr Jocelyn P. Nava General Practitioner
0935487333 (m)\Office 3582 699
email [email protected]
www.vietnammedicalpractice.com
East Meets West Dental Center
269 Núi Thành, Hòa Cường Bắc, Thanh Khê, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
+84 511 3624 222
http://eastmeetswestdental.org
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