Sussex Travel Clinic

Hove Clinic

01273 749100

Worthing Clinic

01903 254774

Feeling ticked off?

Ticks are tiny little blood suckers. Sometimes they can be difficult to spot, they can be as small as a poppy seed! After having a feed, adult ticks can swell up to the size of a small pea and become much lighter in colour.

tick

 

They can infect you with Lyme disease, Tick Bourne Encephalitis, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.

Who’s most at risk?

Rural travellers in tick risk areas, countryside workers, children, hikers, gardeners, campers and outdoor athletes.

So how do I protect myself from ticks? – Top Tick Tips

Tip 1 – Where are ticks found?

The castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

The castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

They live in the soil and emerge to climb tall grass shrubs, bushes and low level tree branches, where they wait for their next victim. This means they can be found in gardens, woodland and meadows and dunes.

Ticks can’t jump or fly they normally hitch a lift and become attached to skin or clothing after brushing against the bracken or long grass, they then wander off to warm moist areas of the body such as groins, armpits or backs of knees to have a meal. You won’t feel the bite because the tick injects a toxin that anesthetises the area.

Tick season in the UK is normally March to October during the warmer months

Tip 2 – Use an insect repellent

Lifesystems Deet 50+

Lifesystems Deet 50+

DEET has been proven to be the most effective preparation in preventing ticks.

DEET has been used as an insect repellent for around 50 years and it is available in different concentrations. 50% concentration is recommended.

DEET can be used for children over the age of 2 months. For children, use clothing as the main barrier and repellent on any remaining exposed areas of skin.

If you are taking a baby under two months travelling to countries with risks ticks get expert advice about suitable repellents.

It can be used in pregnancy and breast feeding women.

If you are using sunscreen, it is advised that repellent must be applied after sunscreen. Choose a high factor sunscreen as DEET can reduce the effectiveness of the SPF. Always wait for half an hour after applying sunscreen before applying DEET.

Remember to remove repellent with soap and water when it is no longer needed.

Do not spray directly onto faces, spray on hands first and then apply to face. Wash hands after applying to prevent contact with lips and eyes.

Never use on cuts, abrasions or irritated skin.

Tick sprayYou could use a natural insect repellent as an alternative to DEET.

Sussex Travel Clinic now stocks the new Care Plus Anti-Tick repellent which contains a powerful Citriodiol®-based formula, this natural Anti-Tick repellent offers up to 6 hours protection per application, and can be used on anyone over 3 months of age, this makes it an excellent product for children and families.

 Tip 3 – dress (not) to impress a tick!

Protecting Against Ticks by Tucking Pants into Socks

Protecting Against Ticks by Tucking Pants into Socks

Clothes are your best protection. Try to wear long trousers and tuck them into your socks, not an attractive look I know, but vital.

You could consider wearing bug socks that are manufactured with impregnated insect repellent.

It’s a good idea to treat your clothing using an insecticide spray that contains permethrin (an insecticide that kills insects on contact) this should only be used on clothing NOT your skin.

Tip 4 – Do the tick check! No, it’s not a dance move!

After you have been outdoors, check your body regularly for ticks. It’s a good idea to have a ‘tick buddy’ who can help you check difficult to reach areas!

Tip 5 – Carry a tick remover

Carry a tick remover or fine tipped tweezers so that ticks can be safely and easily removed. You should always try to remove ticks as soon as possible, preferably within eight hours.

How a tick is removed is really important. Incorrect tick removal can result in:

  • The tick’s mouth parts being left behind in your skin.
  • Squeezing of the tick’s body.
  • Puncture of the tick’s body.
  • Injury and irritation to the tick.

    Care Plus Tick Remover

    Care Plus Tick Remover

 Why does this cause a problem?

  • If the tick’s mouth parts are left behind they can lead to a localised infection, which in severe cases can result in abscesses and possibly even septicaemia.
  • Squeezing the tick’s body could cause fluids (its saliva and gut contents) to be squeezed back into your bloodstream. These fluids may contain disease-causing organisms.
  • If the tick’s body is punctured during removal it can spill infective fluids on to you, or on to the person removing the tick.
  • Causing injury or irritation to the tick may result in it regurgitating (vomiting) infective fluids you, which could potentially cause a serious infection.

Remember DON’T – crush or squeeze the tick’s body or hit with books or try to burn or freeze it, or use petroleum jelly or liquid solutions to suffocate the tick as this may shock the tick and prompt it to regurgitate saliva into the bite wound and spread infection.

Tweezer tick-removal technique

1) Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards with steady, even pressure.

Do not twist or jerk the tick as this may leave its mouth parts embedded in the skin, or cause it to regurgitate disease causing fluids. If any mouth parts do break off, you can remove them with a sterilised needle or tweezer points.

Tick Removal: Tick-removal tool

 

There are quite a few tick-removal tools on the market.

It is important to remember when choosing your tool that the most important points of tick removal are:

  • The tick’s body must not be squeezed, as this can force out saliva and gut contents which might contain disease-causing organisms.
  • The tick should not be irritated or injured, as this may result in it regurgitating (vomiting) saliva and gut contents along with any disease-causing organisms.
  • The mouth parts of the tick should be cleanly removed along with the rest of its body.
  • The tick should be removed without causing you discomfort.

Sussex Travel Clinic currently stocks the Care Plus Tick remover.

  • Hold the tick remover between your thumb and middle finger and press the back of the tool with your index finger: the gripping head will now open.
  • Place the gripping head carefully around the tick — as close as possible to the skin — and then close the gripping head.
  • Rotate the clamped tick slightly to the left and slightly to the right until it is partially released. With a few gentle tugs, pull the tick out in a motion perpendicular to the skin.

After removing the tick, it’s a very good idea to wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water, then treat the bite area with an antiseptic.

 

Tip 6 – what do I do with the tick once I’ve removed it?

The best way to dispose of a tick is by crushing it and flushing it down the toilet or wrap it in a tissue and throw it into a dustbin. Be aware that engorged ticks will contain potentially infected blood, which may splatter when crushed. Do not crush the tick with your fingers and do not allow the crushed tick or the blood it was carrying to come into contact your skin.

It is best not to let the tick go when you remove it as it can then go on to lay more eggs or bite someone else!

Lyme disease

What is it?

tick testDid you know that approximately 3,000 people in the UK contract Lyme disease (Borreliosis) from tick bites every year and that Lyme disease is more common than previously thought?

Fifteen percent of cases that are diagnosed in the UK are contracted abroad, generally from east coastal states in North America and in Europe, especially northern European countries and Scandinavia.

In the UK, known risk areas include Exmoor, the New Forest, the South Downs, the Lake District, the Yorkshire moors and many rural areas in Scotland, notably the Scottish Highlands. It may occur elsewhere in the UK.

You need to act quickly after suffering from a tick bite. If you wait for the first signs of illness, the disease can already have become chronic. Always seek advice from your doctor if an inflamed red ring appears around the bite which looks a little like a bull’s eye target; or if you have any symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, fever, headache and tiredness. All these symptoms could indicate that you have been infected with Lyme disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment reduces the risk of complications of the disease. Lyme disease is diagnosed with a blood test and is treated with antibiotics.

Sussex Travel Clinic stocks the Care Plus tick test – to test ticks for Lyme disease.

This tick test lets you find out immediately after the bite whether the tick carries the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The tick test produces a result within 20 minutes. If the result is positive, your doctor can start treatment immediately. The earlier you start treatment, the more effective it will be.

 

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

What is it?

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is spread by tick bites. It is a serious infection of the brain and vaccination is advised for those in risk areas unable to avoid tick bites such as campers, forestry workers and ramblers.

Tick-borne Encephalitis is present in many countries worldwide. There are 3 main subtypes of Tick-borne Encephalitis that are found in the following locations:

European/Western – Europe to Russia

Siberian – Urals, Siberia, far Eastern Russia, Finland

Far Eastern – far Eastern Russia, China and Japan

Tick-borne Encephalitis Map

Initial symptoms of TBE are similar to flu and can include, a high temperature, a headache, tiredness and muscle pain

These symptoms typically last for up to eight days, after this most people get better.

However, some people go on to develop more serious symptoms, such as meningitis or encephalitis.

Second-stage symptoms:

  • confusion, drowsiness or disorientation
  • convulsions
  • sensitivity to bright light
  • paralysis

This is a medical emergency and would normally require admission to hospital. There is no treatment for TBE. Most people will slowly get better over a period of time, but it could take months even years to fully recover. Some people are left with long term complications from the disease. Approximately one in every 100 cases of TBE is fatal.

Travellers to TBE risk countries should consider having the vaccination before departure

Vaccine Schedule

3 doses – Day 0, 1-3 months later and 5- 12 after the second dose.

Or if short of time before departure the following schedule can be offered:

3 doses – 0, 14 days, 5-12 months after the 2nd dose

Booster – 3 years after a primary course as above, then every 3-5 years.

Children – can be given to children aged 1 year and over

We look forward to seeing you soon in clinic. Happy travelling!

Love the Sussex Travel Clinic Team x

Written by Nicki Harrison- RGN- Lead Nurse

Useful resources

Please see the following advice for more information on Tick Bourne Encephalitis:

http://www.tickalert.org/

References and Bibliography:

http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/

http://www.tickalert.org/

http://www.bada-uk.org/tick-control/tick-control-domestic-environment

http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/tick-borne-encephalitis/

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/tick-borne-encephalitis.aspx

http://www.masta.org/tickalert/

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book

http://www.who.int/

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tick-borne-encephalitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Our guide for the perfect Christmas present for travellers

Know someone who is travelling in the near future?

Unsure of what to buy them for Christmas?

Then take a look at our guide to finding that perfect Christmas gift for that special traveller.

 

Gandys

We sell a range of unique flips flops, which come in 5 different beautiful designs.

Gandys Flipflops

Gandys Flipflops

£20.00 each

 

Two brothers, Rob and Paul founded the Gandys Company after they tragically lost their parents in the 2004 Tsunami. As part of rebuilding their lives they created the Gandys Company so that they could help less fortunate children by donating 10% of profits to fund projects to help support children deprived of the essentials, such as education, nutrition and medication. Their mission is called orphans for orphans.

 

Travel Journal

Why not buy our travel journal as the perfect gift for someone this Christmas, where they can jot down their memories from their travels. The journal also includes sections for check lists, itineraries, planning and any contacts they make along the way, as well as useful information. The journal comes with a genuine leather travel wallet.

Travel Journal

Travel Journal

£14.99

 

Alfresco

If DEET isn’t for you then why not try our anti bug bite moisturiser Alfresco. It comes in 2 sizes, either 50ml for short trips or 200ml for those who are travelling for longer periods of time. Alfresco is as natural as can be and includes anti-bug properties which have been developed in a 300 year old research garden.

Alfresco Repellent

Alfresco Repellent

50ml £6.50

200ml £25.00

Face Masks

How about purchasing one of the 2 revitalising face masks we have on offer. Choose from the collagen infused face mask with green tea extract or the collagen infused face mask with brightening treatment to perk up that special traveller after a long flight. The 15 minute treatment rehydrates the skin and is simple to use, with no mess. These products are also suitable for all skin types.

Face Mask

Face Mask

£5.00 each

 

AquaPure Traveller

The AquaPure Traveller is a personal water purifier which is also a water bottle. You are able to fill the bottle from ANY water source which will provide you with safe, clear and odourless drinking water. It kills viruses and bacteria and removes parasites such as Giardia. The water bottle produces 350 litres of safe, clean, drinking water.

AquaPure Traveller

AquaPure Traveller

£34.99

 

All of these items can be brought at either our Worthing or Hove clinic. If you would like any more information about any of the products listed then please give us a call on 01273 749100 or 01903 254774.

Alternatively you can pop into either of our clinics where all of these products are on display.

Sussex Travel Clinic Monthly Prize Draw

Are you part of a charity or are you a volunteer? 

Are you going abroad on a trip? 

Do you want to have a chance of winning £100 worth of travel products?

Here at the Sussex Travel Clinic we are offering the opportunity to enter our free monthly prize draw, where you get the chance of winning £100 worth of travel products.

Entering this prize draw is simple. All you have to do is have the vaccines for your trip with us, fill in one of our slips, and pop it in the box.

Do you find yourself saying ‘I never win anything’ or ‘Why do I need £100 worth of travel products anyway?’ Never say never. You may need something you didn’t realise or even something that you don’t necessarily have to take abroad. What about something that you could use at home like a tick out remover for the dog or Bimuno for daily use to help with your digestive system?

If you already have all your products for your trip, what about buying something useful to donate to your charity. Such as mosquito nets.

 

Did you know? When insecticide-treated nets are used properly by three-quarters of the people in a community, malaria transmission is cut by 50%, child deaths are cut by 20% and the mosquito population drops by as much as 90%.                     

 

There are an estimated 207 million cases of malaria each year.

Reference:www.netsforlifeafrica.org

 

We have a range of stock consisting of mosquito nets and repellents, water purification tablets, Bimuno, travel towels, first aid kits and much more.

mosquito-net-single-pop-up-dome-lli-freestanding--180-p[ekm]190x148[ekm]         small_635107058451943669       download   BIMUNO          aquapure-traveller-water-purification-bottle-359-p[ekm]350x522[ekm]

 

The winner will be picked at random on the last working day of the month and will be contacted on that day or the following day.

Not sure what you would pick or what you may need? There is always a member of staff on hand to help make the selection if required.

The prize draw is available in both of our clinics in Worthing, West Sussex and Hove, East Sussex.

So do you want to have a chance of winning £100 worth of travel products? Enter our prize draw today!!

To book an appointment you can either call us on 01903 254774 or 01273 749100, book online or pop into clinic.

Mosquitoes, ticks and flies…Oh my!

I personally  think that mosquitoes are one of the most deadly killers on this planet! You may want to argue that fact with me if you’re faced with a tiger in the jungle though!

Did you know? Over 1 000 000 people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year.

They are responsible for infecting humans with a multitude of nasty diseases, such as:

Malaria – Africa, South and Central America, Asia and the Middle  East – bite in hours of darkness dusk to dawn

Yellow Fever  – tropical areas of Africa, South America, Eastern Panama  and Trinidad – bite daylight hours dawn to dusk

Japanese Encephalitis – South East and East Asia and the Pacific – bite in hours- of darkness dusk to dawn

Dengue Fever – Caribbean, South and Central America, Mexico, Africa,  the Pacific Islands, SE Asia, Indian sub-continent, Hawaii,and Australia – bite in daylight hours dawn to dusk

Chikungunya –  Africa, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent and the Philippines. Occasionally, the virus can be found in other countries  where the mosquito that spreads Chikungunya can also be found – bite in daylight   hours dawn to dusk

There are some other rather exotic sounding diseases that mosquitos can transmit; Zika virus, Rift Valley fever, Ross River fever, Filariasis and West Nile fever to mention but a few.

 

You don’t get off lightly from tick bites either!

tick

Tiny little blood suckers. Sometimes they can be difficult to spot, they can be as small as a poppy seed! After having a feed, adult ticks can swell up to the size of a small pea and become much lighter in colour.

They can infect you with Tick Bourne Encephalitis, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Lyme disease and Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.

Feeling ticked off?

Ticks can’t jump or fly they normally hitch a lift and become attached to skin or clothing after brushing against bracken or long grass, they then wander off to warm moist areas of the body such as groins or armpits to have a meal.

Try to wear long trousers and tuck them into your socks, not an attractive look I know, but vital. Don’t forget to consider using insecticide spray to treat your clothes. Wear a hat in forested areas they can drop from trees.

Check your body regularly for ticks, have a ‘tick buddy’ who can check difficult to reach areas!

Carry a tick remover or fine tipped tweezers so that ticks can be safely and easily removed. You should always try to remove ticks as soon as possible. Get the tick remover or tweezers as close to the skin as possible, then slowly and firmly pull upwards until the tick releases your skin. Don’t twist or jerk the tick, this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin, which can lead to infection if left. If this happens, try to remove the mouth-parts with tweezers.

DON’T – crush or squeeze the tick’s body or hit with books or try to burn or freeze it, or use petroleum jelly or liquid solutions to suffocate the tick as this may shock the tick and prompt it to regurgitate saliva into the bite wound and spread infection.

After removing the tick, it’s a very good idea to wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water, then treat the bite area with an antiseptic.

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW? LYME DISEASE CAN BE FOUND IN THE UK – the known risk areas include Exmoor, the New Forest, the South Downs, the Lake District, the Yorkshire moors, the Scottish Highlands, much of Perthshire, the outer islands and rural areas.

 ….and as for flies?

Well, you’ve got Trypanosomiasis (African and American), Leishmaniasis, Onchocerciasis and Bartonellosis to worry about!

Only a few of these diseases  can be prevented by medication or vaccination so really the only way of protecting yourself is by keeping your insect bites to a minimum.

Find out more about these diseases on Fit for Travel

 So what can I do to stop myself getting bitten?

ex4-anit-mosquito

Clothes are your best protection – normally only use repellents on remaining exposed areas of skin.Wear loose fitting, light coloured clothing. Mosquitos can bite through tight clothing. You can also treat clothes with permethrin spray (an insecticide that kills insects on contact) this should only be used on clothing NOT skin.

 

small_635107058451943669

Insect repellent – DEET has been proven to be the most effective preparation in preventing mosquito bites, it is the repellent of choice in areas with diseases such chikungunya and dengue.

DEET has been used as an insect repellent for around 50 years and it is available in different concentrations.

50% concentration is recommended.

DEET can be used for children over the age of 2 months. For children, use clothing as the main barrier and repellent on any remaining exposed areas of skin.

If you are taking a baby under two months travelling to countries with risks of the above diseases get expert advice about suitable repellents.

It can be used in pregnancy and breast feeding women.

If you are using sunscreen, it is advised that repellent must be applied after sunscreen.

Remember to remove repellent with soap and water when it is no longer needed.

Do not spray directly onto faces, spray on hands first and then apply to face. Wash hands after applying to prevent contact with lips and eyes.

Never use on cuts, abrasions or irritated skin.

Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Alternative recommended insect repellents are those containing Picaridin 20% or Saltidin 12.5%  and these can be used for children aged two years and older (NATHNAC)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus-based repellent is also available however this repellent only lasts as long as 15% DEET and so needs applying more frequently. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is a different product and is not recommended as an insect repellent. (NATHNAC)

It is best to avoid sunscreen that is combined with repellent.

If you think that you or your children are reacting to an insect repellent, stop using it, wash treated skin and then seek advice from a doctor.
33406-2-Mosquito-Net-Compact-Bell

In your room or tent – Consider using plug-in or battery operated vaporisers that release an insecticide mist in your room.

Try to stay in accommodation that is air-conditioned, this usually reduces the number of insects in your room.

If you are visiting high risk malaria areas you should sleep under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide. The  World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends this type of net. The insecticide used in these nets mean that a mosquito will be  killed on contact if it lands on the net.

Don’t forget the daytime biters! Those that sleep during the day, particularly young children, or sick or older people, should also sleep under a net. Cot nets are available.

Check your net for holes before you use it. If you find a hole then this can be easily mended by either using a mosquito net repair kit or simply by using a needle and thread. Tape is useful to repair large tears.

Make sure you tuck your net under mattresses or ground sheets to stop the insects getting in to share your bed with you. So do ensure that you buy a big enough net. It would be sensible to buy an impregnated net in the UK and take it with you rather than relying upon what’s there, the nets at your holiday destination may not be of good quality, or treated with insecticide or they might even be invisible!

DID YOU KNOW? YOU CAN USE COTTON WOOL IN AN EMERGENCY TO PLUG SMALL HOLES IN YOUR NET UNTIL YOU CAN MEND IT

Check your window and door screens or shutters to make sure that there are no holes in them, holes will allow insects entry into your sleeping area. Remember to shut all screens and shutters before dusk and until dawn to avoid insect entry into rooms.

Also useful to prevent any unwanted guests making an appearance in the night, after all you don’t want to wake up to any surprises do you? Mosquito repellent coils can reduce insect bites by repelling and killing mosquitos, so they may be useful for some travellers, but they should only be used outdoors, not in your room.

So what doesn’t work as an insect repellent?

There is no proof (scientific or otherwise) that bath oils, electronic “buzzers”, essential oils, garlic, homeopathic remedies, odour baited mosquito traps, tea tree oil, skin moisturisers, smoking, vitamin B tablets or yeast extract (Marmite®), prevent insect bites.

Citronella based repellents are not recommended, as they do not protect you for very long. (NATHNAC)

And finally……….Look out for me too!

Dubia cockroach, Blaptica dubia, in front of white background                flea           Baby bedbug

 

REMEMBER…IT ONLY TAKES ONE BITE DON’T TAKE THE RISK

 

To purchase insect repellents, clothing spray, nets and tick removers pop into one of our clinic branches in Hove or Worthing.

 

Have a great trip and don’t forget…night, night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!

 

Written by Nicki Harrison – RGN- Lead Nurse

References

http://www.travax.nhs.uk

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/insect-bite-avoidance.aspx

http://www.nathnac.org/travel/misc/travellers_mos.htm

http://www.who.int/whr/1996/media_centre/executive_summary1/en/index9.html

http://www.alfrescoshop.com/

https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/

http://www.careplus.eu/en/

 

Chikungunya – no it’s not an exotic meal or a piece of clothing!

HiRes

What is it?
Chikungunya is a virus spread to humans by the bite an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Mosquito biting

They bite during daylight hours, breed in stagnant water and find us tasty.

These mosquitoes can be recognised by the white stripes around their legs, you’d have to catch one though to check!

They can also spread dengue and west Nile fever.

Interesting Fact:

The name chikungunya comes from a word in the Makonde language (one of the native languages in Tanzania) that means ‘that which bends up’. This is due to the crippling joint pain caused by the virus (Public Health England – April 2014)

Where in the world can it be found?

CHIKWorldMap-022415

Map from CDC website

How does Chikungunya make me feel?

The incubation period can be 2-12 days, but is normally 3-7 days.

It normally starts with a sudden onset of fever and pain in the joints.

The joint pain is often very unbearable, but usually lasts for a few days or may persist for weeks.
Other common symptoms can include:

  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Rash

Often diagnosis can be confused with other viral illnesses such as dengue fever in areas where these infections also occur. Symptoms can vary in each individual from mild or non-existent to severe.

Most people make a full recovery, but in some cases, joint pain and arthritis may continue for several months or even years.

Occasionally eye, neurological and heart complications can occur, and gastrointestinal complaints.

Serious complications are uncommon, but in older people the disease can contribute to the cause of death.

Children may develop neurological symptoms such as seizures as a complication of the disease.

Interesting Fact:

Chikungunya cannot be directly spread from person to person. When the mosquito feeds on the blood of a person infected with chikungunya, the virus enters and multiplies within the mosquito. After about 8 to 10 days, the mosquito can transmit the virus to another human by biting them, and can do this for the rest of its life.

If a person gets chikungunya abroad and becomes ill on their return to the UK, they can’t pass the infection onto anyone else. This is because the Aedes mosquito is not present in the UK, as the temperature is not consistently high enough for it to breed.

(Public Health England – April 2014)

What treatment is there?

There is no particular anti-viral treatment for chikungunya. Headache and fever symptoms can be treated symptomatically. Some people need to be admitted to hospital if their illness is severe or if complications arise.

Chikungunya can be diagnosed with a blood test.

 

How do I stop myself getting Chikungunya?

There is no vaccine or drug to prevent chikungunya.

The only way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents and wearing appropriate clothing.  Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day particularly around dawn and dusk.

 

How can I stop mosquitos biting me?

Clothes are your best protection – normally only use repellents on remaining exposed areas of skin.

Wear loose fitting, light coloured clothing. Mosquitos can bite through tight clothing.

You can also treat clothes with permethrin spray (an insecticide that kills insects on contact) this should only be used on clothing NOT skin.

ex4-anit-mosquito          33406-2-Mosquito-Net-Compact-Bell                  small_635107058451943669

 


Insect repellent
– DEET has been proven to be the most effective preparation in preventing mosquito bites, it is the repellent of choice in areas with diseases such chikungunya and dengue.

DEET has been used as an insect repellent for around 50 years and it is available in different concentrations.

50% concentration is recommended.

DEET can be used for children over the age of 2 months. For children, use clothing as the main barrier and repellent only where necessary.

It can be used in pregnancy and breast feeding women.

If you are using sunscreen, it is advised that repellent must be applied after sunscreen.

Remember to remove repellent with soap and water when it is no longer needed.

Do not spray directly onto faces, spray on hands first and then apply to face. Wash hands after applying to prevent contact with lips and eyes.

Never use on cuts, abrasions or irritated skin.

Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Alternative recommended insect repellents are those containing Picaridin 20% and these can be used for children aged two years and older (NATHNAC)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus-based repellent is also available however this repellent only lasts as long as 15% DEET and so needs applying more frequently. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is a different product and is not recommended as an insect repellent. (NATHNAC)

It is best to avoid sunscreen that is combined with repellent.

If you think that you or your children are reacting to an insect repellent, stop using it, wash treated skin and then seek advice from a doctor.

In your room – Consider using plug in vaporisers that release an insecticide mist in your room

Try to stay in accommodation that is air-conditioned, this usually reduces the number of insects in your room.
Those that sleep during the day, particularly young children, or sick or older people, should sleep under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends this type of net. The insecticide used in these nets mean that a mosquito will be killed on contact if it lands on the net. Cot nets are available.

Carry a sewing kit and tape to repair any holes or tears.

 

So what doesn’t work as an insect repellent?    

There is no proof (scientific or otherwise) that bath oils, electronic “buzzers”, essential oils, garlic, homeopathic remedies, odour baited mosquito traps, tea tree oil, skin moisturisers, smoking, vitamin B tablets or yeast extract (Marmite®), prevent insect bites.

Citronella based repellents are not recommended, as they do not protect you for very long. (NATHNAC)

 

Further advice about insect bite prevention can be found on the following websites:

Fit For Travel

NathNac

 

We sell a wide range of repellents, nets and insect bite avoidance devices in our clinics and on our online shop.

 

Come down and speak to one of our lovely team for advice.

 

Written by Nicki Harrison – Lead Nurse Sussex Travel Clinic

January 2015

 

 

Reference/bibliography list:

Fit for Travel – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/chikungunya-fever.aspx

TRAVAX – http://www.travax.nhs.uk/diseases/non-vaccine-preventable/chikungunya.aspx

Gov.UK – Public Health England – https://www.gov.uk/chikungunya

WHO – http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs327/en/

Did anyone see Mary and Martha last week?

Love Actually writer, Richard Curtis, wrote this moving and very tragic story for Comic Relief 2013 about two mothers who lose their sons to malaria. It certainly has got us all talking in travel clinic. mary and martha

The films story tells the tale of two mothers who meet in Zimbabwe following the deaths of their sons from malaria.  Martha, played by Brenda Blethyn, loses her son Ben after he gives away his ­malaria tablets and she and  Mary, played by ­Hollywood actress Hilary Swank, form an unlikely friendship and team up to campaign for malaria prevention.

Richard Curtis was inspired to write the story after hearing about Jo Yirrell, whose son Harry worked in Ghana in 2005. Jo lost her son Harry to malaria after he gave away his malaria tablets to the locals in Ghana. Harry had an amazing adventure in Ghana, he helped build a school, met a local girl and fell in love. He saw the local community suffering from malaria and in a selfless act he gave away his malaria tablets. On his return home to the UK, Harry became sick with symptoms of malaria and was admitted to hospital and sadly passed away.

Before Harry died, Jo had little knowledge about malaria. However, since Harry’s death in 2005 she has campaigned and raised awareness of malaria through her role as an Ambassador for the UK based charity – Malaria No More. Jo also speaks at Travel Medicine study days in the UK educating health care professionals by sharing her experience. I have had the pleasure of meeting this inspirational woman who has dedicated her life to campaigning to try and prevent unnecessary deaths from malaria. I am sure Jo has saved many lives and Harry would be extremely proud of all his mum has achieved.

Malaria Facts

  • Worldwide there are 219 million cases of malaria every year.
  • Sleeping under a mosquito net saves lives – nets cut malaria cases in children by half and reduce child deaths by 20%
  • A child dies from malaria every minute.
  • Every year, over 660,000 people die from malaria, over 90% of these deaths are in Africa.

Source – http://malarianomore.org.uk/malaria#quick-facts

How can you help?

  • Make a donation by visiting http://malarianomore.org.uk
  • Donate a mosquito net – leave your mosquito net behind when you return to the UK. You don’t need a mosquito net here and by leaving it for locals in areas where malaria is present you will be helping to save lives.

If you need to discuss malaria recommendations for the countries you are travelling to , pick up malaria tablets or buy a net – Call the clinic on 01273 749100.

 

 

 

 

 

Dengue fever in Madeira  (Portugal) 

A recent outbreak of Dengue fever has been reported from Maderia. A total is 52 laboratory confirmed  cases of dengue fever have been reported in Madeira since the outbreak began on  3 October [1].  It is believed that a further 404 probable cases have been reported. Forty patients  have required hospital treatment, no deaths have occurred. A total of cases of dengue have been  reported in European travellers who visited Madeira during late September and  early October .  The cases include travellers from France (2), Sweden (1)  and England (1). The case from England is recovering well at home.

Advice for Travellers

Dengue Fever is spread through mosquitoes that bite in daylight hours. Travellers should avoid mosquito bites.

If you feel unwell with any of the following symptoms such as fever, severe  headache, muscle pain and a rash within 14 days of visiting Madeira you should seek medical advice.

There is no vaccine available to protect against dengue.

1. http://www.nathnac.org/pro/clinical_updates/denguemadeira_251012.htm

 

Sussex Travel Clinic stocks a wide range of mosquito nets and insect repellents. If you are travelling to an area where malaria is present you should sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that your net should be impregnated with long lasting impregnation. These nets protect you from mosquito bites by killing the mosquito on contact and the impregnation lasts for 2 years or over, making them ideal for long trips.

We stock a wide range of nets to suit all needs. If you are planning a camping trip then the pop up dome mosquito net would be ideal. The net simply pops up and down and is lightweight and easily transported if you are travelling around. Our best selling mosquito net for backpackers is the Lifesystems Ultra Net- this compact net is lightweight and includes a hanging kit.

Our range of insect repellents include everything from DEET 50+ and DEET 100+, to natural repellents such as Alfresco. If you are travelling to an area where malaria is present it is recommended that you use an insect repellent with DEET in it. The higher the concentrate of DEET, the longer the repellent will last on your skin.

Tips to avoid insect bites

  • Sleep under an impregnated mosquito net
  • Wear insect repellent on any exposed skin
  • Wear loose fitting and long clothing
  • If you have air conditioning – switch it on- mosquitoes do not like the cold air
  • Use a clothing treatment spray for extra protection
  • Use a plug- in mosquito repellent in your room

To purchase a mosquito net or insect repellent simply pop into clinic during our opening hours or buy ONLINE