If you are travelling in a malarial zone, a mosquito net is vital. It is said that mosquitoes have killed more people than war. Literally bloodthirsty, they may be, but the real danger of mosquitoes lies in the infections and diseases they can pass between people. Rift Valley fever, epidemic polyarthritis, encephalitis (including the West Nile Virus) and malaria can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Every year, at least 2 million people die as as result of such mosquito-born infections. Most of these deaths are children.
It is important to make sure you have the right size mosquito net for your bed. A variety of styles are available for single and double beds. Those mosuqito nets which require hanging (be it from a hook, wall or clothes lines) come with the necessary kit.
Portable, freestanding mosquito nets are perfect for use with tents. If you are off camping or are else in a situation where a traditional net cannot be hung, then these provide the answer.
Those who are moving around and/or don’t necessarily know where they will be sleeping, compact mosquito nets are ideal. Whilst products large enough to cover even double beds are available, their design means they can be collapsed down small enough to be stored in a compression bag. They are small enough to be carried in backpacks or hand luggage; the perfect choice for those off travelling the globe or trekking around Asia.
It is the recommendation of the World Health Organisation that all those travelling within malarial zones take with them a mosuqito net impregnated with a strong insecticide. Long Lasting Impregnation (LLI) kills mosquitoes as soon as they land on the net. The LLI lasts for 2 years, after which it can be reimpregnated with commercially available anti-mosquito treatments. You simply mix a solution of the anti-mosquito treatment to the right level of concentration and then draw the net through. Once dry, the net will be reimpregnated with LLI.
Mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn; hence the importance of mosquito nets. As well as a net, it’s important to keep yourself covered if you are out and about at night, during the early morning or evening. You may be up and moving, but that won’t stop them trying to bite. Head nets are made of a fine mesh that offers you clear vision while also keeping the mosquitoes off your face.
Of course, mosquitoes can be a pest even if they are not carrying dangerous diseases. For that reason, some mosquito nets are available in non LLI versions which are suitable for using in the UK and other non malarial areas.
When travelling in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or the Americas, it’s vital you take a mosquito net with you. Whether you’re staying in a double bed in a single hotel or hiking through the foothills, sleeping beneath the stars every night, there is a net suitable for your requirements. Malaria is a horrible problem, but there are straightforward steps you can take to avoid the worst of it.
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