I was told to get a mosquito spray that has a minimum of 20% deet. I found one that's 29, which is fine. I also found one that's 98% deet. Is that going overboard? Or too strong?

I'll be using ths for the Yangshuo area in October. Will it be needed in Hong Kong?

Thanks,

Monica

Hi, monicapileggi -

You might want to consider using Picaridin instead. See:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34988152

Hope that helps!

kja, thanks!

I was at walmart today and I think I saw one with picaridin. I'll check it out.

Interesting comments about the 100% deet. No thanks!

Monica

100% deet is not meant for application to skin. That concentration increases the chances of a skin reaction (as as other have said, melts plastics and synthetics) without increasing efficacy.

I typically use a deet spray. Ultrathon, a formulation which is encapsulated for sustained release is effective longer and has less absorption through the skin.

Some people love picardin, some don't. And whether it works better than deet - well, the research so far does not show a consistent advantage of one over the other.

Another picaridin fan here. Goes on dry and doesn't smell like repellent!

I'm going to be in Yangshuo, hopefully doing a lot of walking or biking, also in October. Is this known as a particularly buggy area? And does anyone know if malaria is an issue there? I had been assuming that the area has gotten developed enough so that this wouldn't be a problem, but based on the question about deet, I'm now wondering if I'm wrong.

I always check the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website weeks and months before going to Asia. Some of the shots that are required are multiple and take time. I'd suggest you check out their site for the various Asian countries that you plan to visit.

The best place to get anti-bug stuff is at a sporting goods store. I usually shop at REI.

There's also a spray which you coul treat your clothes with - arghhh! the name escapes me for the moment - and it makes the clothes bug repellent. The stuff stays on through several washings.

Also get yourself some AFTERBITE sticks. They're absolutely wonderful for stopping the itching should you get bitten.

wwn.cdc.gov/travel

Whether there is malaria or not, you should always bring a repellant. Mosquitoes can carry a variety diseases.

ed
Check out my research under "immunizations" on this thread.I found this info. from the cdc.gov website re:Guilin/Yangshuo.

Ed,

When will you be in Yangshuo? I'll be there beginning the 26th of October for 4 nights.

I got all of my shots (last set done 3 months ago). I was told I didn't need shots for Malaria but to bring mosquito repellant with a minimum of 20%.

I'll check the sports authority in my area for the deet or picaridin and the afterbite sticks - great suggestions!

Monica

The reference to "Afterbite" is spot on. We have been using it for for more than 15 years and absolutely swear by it. It is a pen-like stick, filled with an ammonia mixture, I think, and you rub it on your bite. The sooner you can rub it on the better. It absolutely works and when we travel we also keep one in our bag.

On the Deet front, my understanding of the literature is that Deet is still the proverbial "gold standard" as far as bug repellants. Also, surprisingly, I think that the Deet percentage relates more to how long a single application will last, then the effectiveness of the Deet. In other words, 20% Deet will work much longer than 7% Deet, though for short durations I'm not sure that the 7% concentration is less effective. Thus, if you really only need the spray for an hour or two, the lower concentrations might be fine. Having said that, we always but the 20% concentrations. Also, the best defense against skeeters in your room - we have found - is to spray the room with Raid or similar just before you exit for the evening. When you return, open the room door quickly and close it the same way. Skeeters all gone. Have fun.

Monica, we'll be in Yangshuo, at the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (out in the country) from Oct. 20-24, so we'll miss you.

After reading about the malaria threat, we're reconsidering the few days out there, and thinking it might be better to stay right in Yangshuo. Alternatively, I guess we could take malaria meds, but they sound kind of toxic.

Ed, you might want to learn about malaria meds. take a look at the cdc website and look at malaria prevention medications. The one anti-malarial that has been associated with bad reactions is larium (melfloquine). The other antimalarials, chlorquinine, doxycycline and malarone have relatively few side effects. Decide in conjunction with your doctor what approach is best for you. This will depend on your individual health issues as well as exactly where you are going, where you are staying and the activities you'll be involved in.

Hi Ed,

Sorry to miss you too.

I had considered the Mountain Retreat, but read good reviews about the Li River Retreat on trip advisor, so I booked it. Also, I didn't want to be too far from the town (about a 20 minute walk or a short and inexpensive taxi ride).

Monica

What immunizations besides Hep. A vaccine & DPT are required for China?
I think Japanes Encephalitis, Yellow Fever & Dengue Fever were recommended
but not required.

There is no vaccine for Dengue Fever...you just need to prevent mosquito bites. Yellow Fever vaccine is not recommended for China. Japanese Encephalitis is recommended for only a few people, those spending extended time on a farm, for example.

Of course, don't take my word for it. Check the CDC website, http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx and absolutely see a doctor so recommendations can be made specifically for you based on your personal health history and present condition, and your itinerary.

Hi Monica & Ed, We will be in Yangshuo in April. Thanks for the info regarding Malaria meds - we have been advised too that we won't need them (by our Doctor). But we have been a bit unsure. I'm a nurse & have been doing a bit of research but it has been inconclusive for this area. Seems to be no.
I usually get eaten alive. My brave husband says he is just going to stand next to me - that way he never gets bitten. He says mozzies don't like his hairy legs!
Annie

According to the report that the dr. printed out for me (from travax.com), it states for Malaria:

Risk (P. falciparum) exists in all rural areas of Hainan as well as in rural areas of Yunnan that lie along the border with Vietnam, Laos, and Burma. Limited rist of P. vivax exists in rural areas of Anhui, Fujian, Guangong, Guangxi, Guizhou,Hainan, Henan, Sichuan, Xizang (only along the valley of Zangbo River in the extreme southeast), and yunnan. Even lower risk exists in remote rurual areas of Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Shangdon. Where there is transmission, it occurs below 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) from May to November north of latitude 25 degrees N, and throughout the year south of 25 degrees No. Travelers visiting cities and popular rural sites on all usual tourist routes and cruises, including overnight Yangtze River cruises, are not at risk and antimalarial drugs are ot recommended for such travelers.

...

My dr. Gave me this 5 page print out. I will be happy to scan it in and send it to anyone that would like it. It covers all recommendations for China and Hong Kong.

Monica ((F)

Permethrin is what you should spray your clothes with prior to leaving. You can find this at most outdoor stores for a reasonable price.

Done it a few times now and not been bitten at all, so either mosquitoes can't stand me or it works really well.

PS--I'm a big fan of Ultrathon, 3M's DEET lotion. It's incredibly effective, not greasy and, most importantly, doesn't smell.