Mosquito Bite Prevention: Evidence-Based Protection Against Dengue and Other Arboviruses

Integrated vector management and personal protection reduce risk of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, malaria.

Personal Protection (Hierarchy of Effectiveness)

1. Clothing: Long sleeves, pants, socks, closed shoes; permethrin-treated (0.5%) — kills/repels on contact.
2. Repellents (skin): DEET 20–30%, Picaridin 20%, IR3535 20%, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE/PMD) 30%. Reapply per label. Safe in pregnancy/children >2mo (OLE >3yr).
3. Spatial repellents: Metofluthrin coils, emanators — reduce bites in semi-enclosed areas.
4. Physical barriers: Window/door screens, bed nets (ITNs for malaria).

Environmental Control

• Eliminate standing water: containers, tires, gutters, plant saucers (Aedes breed in small clean water).
• Larvicides (Bti, temephos) for non-drainable water.
• Community clean-up campaigns.

Behavioral

• Peak Aedes biting: early morning, late afternoon — maximize protection then.
• Air conditioning reduces indoor biting.

Vaccines

• Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV): only for seropositive 9–45 yr in endemic areas.
• Qdenga (TAK-003): broader indication, approved in EU/UK/Brazil/Indonesia (2023+).