Individual protection against mosquito bites.

Self-protection against mosquitoes reduces not only nuisances but also the risk of contracting non-vaccinable diseases such as malaria and dengue. Per manent preventative measures must be taken. In a bedroom, the type of prote ction depends on the habitat. Air conditioning and window screens will decr ease the number of bites. Electric insecticide vaporizers and mosquito coil s will repel and kill mosquitoes, but the sleeper will eventually inhale in secticide vapors. In any circumstances, the best protection is to use pyret hroid-impregnated bed netting. In West Africa, impregnated bed nets are sti ll effective against malaria, despite the presence of malaria vectors resis tant to pyrethroids. Permethrin is the most commonly used insecticide for t his purpose. Other pyrethroids, although very effective (deltamethrin, lamb dacyhalothrin), may cause harmless side effects like transient tingling and burning sensations during impregnation. Water-based formulations can reduc e skin absorbency and side effects. Using pre-impregnated bed nets is a way to avoid contact with insecticides during impregnation. Outside the bedroo m, protection can be mosquito coils, vaporizers (mats, liquids), repellents on exposed skin, and clothes treated with permethrin or repellent. DEET ap plied on the skin is effective against a wide range of blood-sucking arthro pods. Slow release formulations allow for a longer period of protection and reduce skin absorption. DEET reacts with plastic and paint, but a new effe ctive analogue is now available without these disadvantages. (C) 1999 Editi ons scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.