I've been reading alot about the need to be cautious of insect bites while visiting Egypt. We'll be taking a tour and staying in Western-style hotels in the Cairo, and Luxor, and taking a 4 day nile river cruise. I expect to bring 30-50 DEET but I'm curious about the room spray that is recommended by the CDC- pyrethroid. Did anyone use this to spray their rooms? Thanks for the info.

I not only didn't use this, I've never heard of it, I didn't use Deet or other insect repellent in Egypt and I've never heard of this recommendation by the CDC. You are NOT going to places where malaria is an issue.

Been to Egypt and never used any DEET or spray of any kind.

Never saw an insect there.....maybe it is too hot for them

That is such good news. The CDC has all kinds of recommendations and talks about malaria and dengee fever - has lots of recommendations for travelers. Thanks for your help.

I work as a counselor in a travel clinic; we use several resources for our recommendations. There is no malaria risk in Egypt; there used to be small risk in one district not included in the usual travel routings, which might explain CDC recommendations? Dengue Fever risk is very low; insect repellant is fine if you find mosquitos. (Dengue mosquitos are daytime biters.) Your biggest risk will intestinal problems -- definitely recommend Hepatitis A vaccine, and Typhoid vaccine might be a good idea too. There is HIGH risk for diarrhea illnesses on Nile River cruises -- pay attention to all food/water guidelines even if you are going on a very "high end" cruise. No cheating!!

There was a recent report of Dengue rearing it's nasty head here in the States, so who knows. But this has, on occasion been reported in Egypt, rarely though on tourist routes.

No harm having a repellent, but please no more than 30% if using Deet to use if you feel the need during daytime hours.

When we visited, not a flying thing around, nor did anyone on our Nile Cruise take ill and know we ate everything - fruits, veggies, melons, etc. However, when out on tours under the brutal sun, a few people did become dehydrated. So remember to drink water before you think you're thirsty... even if you'll find yourself needin some nasty bathroom.

Personally, and especially with the recent ugly (hot/humid) weather most everywhere in the States, am drinking more when outdoors and with the few extra drops of perspiration, don't find I need the loo any more or less than at other times when not drowning myself.

Sandi, it sounds like you are blessed with the proverbial cast iron stomach! Totally agree with need for LOTS of water!

We are planning our first trip to Egypt in Nov. We will be taking an oral vaccine for intestinal protection. Its called Dukoral and is effective for three months. We took it before going to S. America. For what it is worth, we were the only people on our Galapagos boat that did not get tummy problems.

Agreed that there is no need for malarials in Egypt, but you can still take the Deet spray/ointments. Mosquitoes ate me alive in Luxor two years ago. I didn't get sick of course but it sure spoiled some of my photos!

So much great information! Thanks. Will let you know how we make out.

Brought the deet, never used it!! Many on our trip visited their physicians before leaving and came equiped with Cipro. One or two of them even needed it. Eat nothing that has been washed with the water, and only fruits and vegetables that have been fully cooked or can be pealed. Then enjoy - it's a fabulous trip!

Never even heard about DEET.. what is DEET??

Deet is the chemical in some repellents that is supposed to do just that... repel critters from biting you. The repellents contains a certain percentage of the chemical, which shouldn't be more than 30%. However, some people post that they've purchased this with percentages as high at 80-100%... they're nuts!

There are some repellents that contain other named chemicals, or made from whatever (natural items as cloves, citrus, etc. etc.) containing no chemicals. Bear in mind thogh that not all repellents of which names you find here or elsewhere maybe sold in all countries.

Never brought/needed any repellent when in Egypt. But then, I rarely attract biting things unless some critter decides my ankles look tempting which only happened in East Africa, where an antibiotic itch cream worked.

authenticegypt: What time of the year were you in Luxor?

margreee: What tour company did you use for your Nile Cruise?