Don't Get Bitten! - Travel Tips Colombia

Avoidance of mosquito bites is the key to preventing dengue and malaria. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes that carry these diseases are active at different times of the day: the Aedes aegypti, which transmits dengue, from dusk to dawn, and the Anopheles, which carries malaria, from dusk to dawn. This means mosquito bite prevention is a 24-hour job. Use DEET-based mosquito repellent (avoid contact with plastics) and wear long, loose garments. Avoid dark colors, shiny jewelry and scented soaps or perfumes, as these attract mosquitoes. Look for lodging that is away from standing pools of water, and that provides screens on doors and windows, or a mosquito net on the bed (or tote your own, preferably permethrin-treated). Burn mosquito coils in your room. Additionally, mosquitoes do not, as a rule, like moving air, so sleep with a fan blowing on you. Do not scratch the bite; this can lead to infection in tropical climes.

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 28 Sep 2011