Should You Get Vaccinated Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

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It’s been raining an inordinate amount this summer and coupled with the fact that July and August are usually mosquito months in the capital, we thought it prudent to share some medical information on the dangers of this pesky bug, as well as advice on how to avoid them. The following information is shared by Oasis International Hospital.

While most of us may be familiar with the threat of dengue fever, malaria, and Zika, a more common mosquito-borne disease in China is actually Japanese encephalitis (JEV). There are approximately 33,900 cases of JEV every year, with most of the cases occurring in rural areas with irrigation farming. Here’s a small hurrah though – the World Health Organization (WHO) declared China malaria-free this year!

Are there are any vaccinations we should consider taking against any mosquito-borne diseases here?

Diseases that spread to people include Malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis (JEV). Of these, only JEV and dengue have vaccines, but dengue vaccines can only be given to those with a previously confirmed dengue infection. In China, only JEV vaccine is commonly available.

01

Ways to prevent mosquito bites:

Reduce prolonged travel to rural areas from sunset to sunrise in May to September.

Cover up with long-sleeved tops, trousers, and socks when engaging in an outdoor activity such as hiking, camping, or cycling.

Install window screens over windows if sleeping indoors or sleeping under Permethrin-treated mosquito net if sleeping outdoors.

Avoid locations with standing water as this attracts mosquitos.

Apply a light cover of mosquito repellent on unbroken and exposed skin and face (except eyes). DEET has been in use for over 70 years as an insect repellent and covers for the longest duration of time. Products with 30 percent DEET are adequate for most conditions and should be re-applied every five hours or if swimming, washing, or in rainfall. Pregnant women shouldn’t take DEET in the first trimester and nor should children less than 2 months old. Sunscreen should be applied first before applying repellent.

Consult with Oasis’ Internal Medicine Dr. Liu Zhenqian if you may be traveling to rural areas in Asia or have children less than 15 years old to consider getting vaccinated against JEV. This is a single dose vaccine with a one-year booster and six-year booster (if necessary).

Traveling outside of China to high-risk malaria countries such as India may require prescription doxycycline one to two days before travel, taken daily, and 28 days after travel.

02

Proper mosquito bite care:

Try to leave the bite alone because if you scratch, it creates openings in your skin, thus allowing bacteria in and causing infections.

Apply External Over-The-Counter (OTC) mentholatum products, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to help relieve itchiness while avoiding the eyes and open cuts.

Take Oral OTC: Clarityne as prophylaxis for allergy sufferers or when necessary as anti-histamine.

Apply a cool compress or ice pack to help soothe the bite and reduce the itching.

If the bite causes fever, vomiting, or shortness of breath, call 120 or go to the nearest fever clinic to get treated immediately.

Images: Pexels

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