This article is a travel topic.

Mosquitoes are small flying insects that are found throughout the world. In many areas they are primarily a nuisance, buzzing around and leaving itchy little welts where they bite. In other areas mosquito bites pose a serious health hazard for travellers, transmitting tropical diseases such as dengue fever, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, West Nile virus, and yellow fever.

Mosquito repellent

Avoid being bitten in the first place: you can find products made from various chemicals that repel mosquitoes that can be applied to your skin and clothing. Repellents are available in various forms, including lotions and aerosols.

DEET (diethyl toluamide) is effective at concentrations of 10% and up; its strength plateaus at around 35%. DEET-based repellents are generally the most common, and are readily available from pharmacies, supermarkets, and vendors at larger airports.

Accommodation

Sleeping in rooms that are either air-conditioned (so that you can close the windows and doors), or have insect screens over the windows, will help prevent mosquitoes from entering the room. Be sure to check the screens for defects before relying on them. Having a fan switched on can help, as the moving air makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to land.

Mosquito nets

When camping or sleeping indoors without screens, use a mosquito net that has been treated with permethrin insecticide - these can be found at some pharmacies and airports. As mosquitoes are very persistent insects that will keep trying to find a way to reach you, make sure the net is securely tucked under your bed or sleeping mat.