How to fight mosquitoes on the Rock

It adds: The common Culex mosquito bites mainly during the evening and night time and fortunately this species does not transmit any serious disease. It can however cause a painful swelling, especially in some sensitive individuals and this can get infected subsequently.

The Asian Tiger Mosquito which has been in Gibraltar for a few years now is a daytime biter. The diseases that it can transmit, namely Dengue Fever and Chikungunya are NOT prevalent anywhere near this area so this is not currently a concern. Nevertheless, it is best to take precautions during the day in areas where they prevail. It breeds in areas with well-watered vegetation as it prefers the higher humidity yet locally it has never been found in any street gully.

It breeds in water containers in urban areas (water butts, plant pot dishes, tyres, barrels, discarded containers etc. Persons should check their vicinity for small water containers and empty them out.

These mosquitoes are very determined biters. They fly silent, slow and low and usually bite the lower limbs so wearing socks and long trousers is useful.

PRECAUTIONS

Public Health Gibraltar recommends the following precautions for travellers:

*Before travelling to areas where dangerous mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, consult your doctor or seek advice from a travel clinic, especially if you have an immune disorder or severe chronic illness.

*If you are pregnant or are considering pregnancy, consider postponing non-essential travel.

*When staying in a mosquito-prone area, wear mosquito repellents and take mosquito bite prevention measures. If you have symptoms within three weeks of return from an affected country, consult your doctor. If you have been diagnosed with any of the diseases Zika, Dengue or Chikungunya, take strict mosquito bite prevention measures for 10 days after the fever starts.

Please note that some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 overlap with mosquito-borne conditions. There is no evidence that mosquitos can spread COVID-19, but headache, fever, muscle aches and bowel upset can all be found in both circumstances.

The above advice is also contained in the GHA leaflet “A Factsheet for Travellers”.

DEET is widely considered the most effective broad spectrum repellent against mosquito bites.

Other products may have some repellent effect for short periods of time.

The repellent properties of products containing oil of citronella are very short lived. They are not recommended for insect bite protection.

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28-07-2020 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR