Dengue and chikungunya: daytime mosquito protection

Use layered bite prevention

Apply an appropriate repellent according to the label, cover exposed skin where practical and choose accommodation with effective screens or air conditioning. Remove standing water around longer-stay accommodation when it is safe to do so.

When sunscreen is also needed, apply it first and allow it to dry before repellent, following both product instructions.

Check current outbreaks

Risk changes with season, rainfall and outbreaks. Check current destination guidance close to departure and again if the route changes.

Vaccination options, where available, have specific eligibility criteria and do not replace bite prevention. They require an individual clinical assessment.

Fever needs context

Seek medical advice for significant fever or illness during or after travel and state the destination and dates. Avoid self-diagnosing one mosquito-borne infection from symptoms alone because several illnesses can look similar early on.

Protect against daytime bites

Mosquitoes associated with dengue and chikungunya commonly bite during the day, so a bed net alone is not a complete plan. Apply a suitable repellent according to its instructions, cover skin where practical and use screened or air-conditioned rooms when available.

Risk can vary by season, neighbourhood and current outbreaks. Check official destination updates near departure and continue precautions in cities as well as rural areas when advice indicates risk.

• ✓ Use repellent through the day
• ✓ Reapply as the product directs
• ✓ Cover arms and legs where practical
• ✓ Remove standing water around accommodation

Make repellent use practical and safe

Choose a recognised active ingredient and concentration suitable for the traveller, destination and duration. Follow age and pregnancy instructions on the product or seek professional advice. Apply sunscreen first and repellent afterwards when both are needed.

Pack enough for the full trip because familiar products may not be easy to find. Treat clothing or use other equipment only as directed; more product is not automatically better.

Respond appropriately to fever or severe symptoms

Fever, severe headache, rash, joint pain or other illness during or after travel needs medical advice, especially if symptoms are significant or worsening. Tell the clinician the destination and dates. Do not self-diagnose one mosquito-borne infection from symptoms alone.

Seek urgent care for bleeding, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, confusion or marked weakness. Advice about pain relief can differ where dengue is possible, so ask a qualified clinician rather than using an unfamiliar medicine.