Malaria Prevention

[B767Driver]

Dear Doc,

Do you know if lotions or sprays with Deet have equal effectiveness in combatting mosquitoes? It's my understanding that anything over 30% Deet concentration is overkill. But am curious if a lotion or spray makes any difference?

I'm using a Sportsman Off product (spray) with 40% Deet...but have seen some products (Sawyer's Gold) on the internet that are lotions.

Also, do you know if it makes a difference if sunscreen should be applied before or after the bug repellent?

Thanks!

[My Flight Surgeon]

I don't think it makes any difference on how you apply DEET. I would apply the sun screen first (probably Bull Frog since it does not wash off easily) and then spray the DEET on after the sun block dries.

[B767Driver]

Thanks Doc.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Read the article in the latest issue of National Geographic. Malaria and TB are two of the most devastating diseases in the world. We in the US are unaware of the extent of devastation caused by them. I have seen 18 year old soldiers die, not from wounds but from malaria.

Use the DEET and enjoy the trip.

[B767Driver]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

Read the article in the latest issue of National Geographic. Malaria and TB are two of the most devastating diseases in the world. We in the US are unaware of the extent of devastation caused by them. I have seen 18 year old soldiers die, not from wounds but from malaria.

Use the DEET and enjoy the trip.

I read it today...just came in the mail. Hence my renewed effort to take countermeasures. I was shocked to learn of Malaria's devastation. Very informative article. Also shocked to learn that 50% of subsarahan children have malaria. H

[seagull]

Originally Posted by B767Driver

I read it today...just came in the mail. Hence my renewed effort to take countermeasures. I was shocked to learn of Malaria's devastation. Very informative article. Also shocked to learn that 50% of subsarahan children have malaria. H

Haven't seen this article, but have been aware of the issue for years. Many more die from malaria every year than AIDS, yet, according to the Economist, just 1% of the expenditure on AIDS would wipe out malaria.