The Importance of Insect Repellents in Malaria-Prone Regions
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. A significant public health problem in many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, it is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year (World Health Organization). Insect repellents are an essential tool in the fight against malaria, as they can help to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the transmission of the disease. In this post, we will explore the importance of insect repellents in regions where malaria is prevalent.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms of malaria can include fever, chills, headache, and flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, malaria can cause organ failure and even death.
Malaria is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the WHO, there were an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2021, with 619,000 deaths. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to the disease, accounting for 80% of all malaria deaths in Africa.[1]
The Importance of Insect Repellents
Insect repellents are designed to repel mosquitoes and other insects, preventing them from biting and potentially transmitting diseases like malaria. Insect repellents work by masking the scent of the person wearing them, making it more difficult for mosquitoes to detect and locate their target.
Insect repellents are an essential tool in the fight against malaria, as they can help to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the transmission of the disease. According to the WHO, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying are the most effective interventions for preventing malaria. However, the use of personal insect repellents can also be an important and effective way to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, particularly for people who are outdoors or in areas where there is a high risk of malaria transmission.
Types of Insect Repellents
There are several different types of insect repellents available, including:
DEET: One of the most widely used and effective insect repellents. It works by blocking the receptors on the mosquito's antennae that detect human scent, making it difficult for the mosquito to locate its target. DEET is available in a range of concentrations, with higher concentrations providing longer-lasting protection. Overuse of DEET has resulted in resistance to it’s effects in some mosquito populations.
Picaridin: Another effective insect repellent that works by blocking the mosquito's ability to sense human scent. Picaridin has been shown to be as effective as DEET and is less likely to cause skin irritation.
IR3535: A synthetic amino acid that has been used as an insect repellent for over 20 years. It works by masking the scent of the person wearing it, making it more difficult for mosquitoes to detect their target. IR3535 is less effective than DEET and picaridin, but it is still a useful option for people who are sensitive to other insect repellents.
Essential Oils: Essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass have been used as natural insect repellents for centuries. While these oils can be effective at repelling mosquitoes, they are generally less effective than synthetic insect repellents, and can be harmful to the environment in their concentrated forms.
While insect repellents are a critical tool in the fight against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, they are not always enough on their own. In addition to using insect repellent sprays and lotions, it is also essential to consider insect repellent clothing sprays, such as those made by Repeltec.
Insect Repellent Clothing
Repeltec manufactures high quality skin products, but also specializes in creating insect repellent clothing sprays that use Picaridin combined with a controlled release mechanism to keep insects at a distance. Picaridin is a highly effective insect repellent that works by masking the scent of the person wearing it, making it more difficult for mosquitoes and other insects to locate you.
By combining Picaridin with a controlled release mechanism, Repeltec's insect repellent clothing sprays provide long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and other insects. Unlike traditional insect repellents, which may need to be reapplied every few hours, Repeltec's clothing spray can provide protection for several weeks or until the next wash, and is also effective when sprayed on other textile gear and accessories.
In addition to their effectiveness and convenience, insect repellent clothing sprays also offer an added layer of protection against other insects that may be lurking in the environment. Mosquitoes are not the only insects that can transmit diseases; ticks, fleas, and other biting insects can also pose a significant risk to human health. Insect repellent clothing sprays can help to protect against these other insects, reducing the overall risk of insect-borne diseases.
It is important to note that insect repellent clothing sprays should not be used as a substitute for traditional insect repellents applied on the skin, but rather in combination with them. While they can provide added protection, they do not offer the same coverage as traditional insect repellents. It is still essential to use insect repellent sprays and lotions on exposed skin, particularly around the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Insect repellent clothing sprays such as those made by Repeltec are an important extra tool in the fight against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. By combining Picaridin with a controlled release mechanism, this spray provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and other insects, making them a convenient and effective option for people who spend time outdoors in malaria-prone regions.
Permethrin treated clothing and Clothing sprays.
Other clothing treatments often use Permethrin, however this is becoming increasingly less popular as a means of protecting against mosquito bites and the diseases they can carry. Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide that is widely used in a variety of insect control products, including insecticides and insect repellents.
When applied to clothing, permethrin does not have a halo effect against mosquitoes and other insects but it does kill insects that are exposed for longer periods of time through direct contact. It is important to note that permethrin treated clothing does not immediately kill mosquitoes on contact; instead, it slowly kills the insect over time after exposure.
The key differences between permethrin treated clothing and insect repellent clothing sprays by Repeltec, is that it takes longer for mosquitoes to be affected by permethrin. Unlike Repeltec sprays, which repel mosquitoes before they land, permethrin treated clothing require mosquitoes to come into contact with the fabric for a longer period of time before they are affected, fly off and die. Mosquitos are still likely to bite during this time, and whilst they likely will not bite another person, this does not help the person they first land on. This means that permethrin treated clothing may not be as effective in areas with high mosquito populations, where mosquitoes are more likely to be persistent in their attempts to bite.
Another factor to consider when using permethrin treated clothing is the issue of pesticide resistance. Mosquitoes, like other insects, have the ability to develop resistance to insecticides over time. This means that overuse of permethrin and other insecticides can lead to the development of resistant mosquito populations, which can make it more difficult to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
While permethrin treated clothing is generally considered safe for humans to wear, caution is advised when applying it to clothing. Permethrin is a potent insecticide and can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria