Using Permethrin in Bangkok, Khoa Sok, Krabi, Malaysia, Singapore
 

Shortly, I will be taking a small group tour that includes Bangkok, Khoa Sok, Krabi, Penang, Koala Lampur, Melaka and Singapore.

I am concerned about the Dengue fever outbreaks in these areas.

Is it worth it to treat my clothes with Permethrin?
I also plan to take a DEET 40% spray, Ultrathon mosquito net and wear long clothes.

Having a cat, I have read about it how toxic it is. My cat is a licker. I live in an apartment so treating clothes can be a challenge. Also, if clothes treated with Permethrin rub against other items, which I am sure that they will, I am concerned. I feel so neurotic. But, I don't want to to take a chance on either end.

Any suggestions on how to keep the mosquitoes out of my hair?

Thank you so munch in advance for your help.

Keep the karma...

S.O.S.
SakeOnSnow

Frankly, I think you are way over-reacting. I haven't been to Khoa Sok, but the other places you mention have very few mosquitos. Using repellant carefully is all you need.

The mosquitos that carry dengue are urban mosquitos and are active during the day. So you should use repellant when you are out during the day.

Bed nets are used to prevent malaria - the mosquito that carries malaria is most active at dawn and dusk. Even in malarial risk zones, bed nets are used only when you are staying in places that are not air-conditioned. So I don't see any need for bed nets for you and your group.

The only times i have used Permethrin on my clothes was when I was staying in the jungle.

Dengue has spread to many tropical and semi tropical places. There is dengue in Hawaii. Use the same precautions you would in going to Hawaii.

Take sensible but not over the top precautions and enjoy your trip.

I have been to Khoa Sok. We encountered a few mosquitos on hikes, but really no more than many other places, even my own backyard. I think that Kathie has given you good advice; use repellent when needed, and then forget about it and enjoy the experience!

I agree with Kathie and I have been to all those places except KS...

leave the net home too..

one method I use in my room is to keep it very cold all the time with a/c---go in and out of doors quickly---do not use an outside light--- do not use lamps near to windows--- leave only a small light on away from windows when I go out at night... a/c is the key imho

In the event that you don't have a/c (in Khoa Sok we stayed in rustic floating huts), I still don't think you'll need to be overly concerned. We had bed nets we didn't even use.

THe Dengue mosquito is a "daytime" mosquito - it means that PEAK TIME for bites is dawn and dusk - they don't like the full heat of the sun. (Neither would you if you were about the same size as a small drop of water!)

Resting - they seek a cool environment - under leaves or notably on washing or under furniture.

it can be a good idea to spray your room heavily when you go out and a while before your retire.

DEET is a good repellant - it does not increase effectiveness over 33% concentration and their are a lot of caveats with its use.
I use outdoor mozzie sticks, brought from Oz to clear my deck outside etc.
Early and late in the day cover up - long sleeves and pants are called for.

dengue spreads best when people are close together and the mozzie that carries it requires the tiniest amount of water to breed - tires, flowerpots etc. - so it is really in damp populated areas that it thrives, i.e. cities....however in view of the numbers of visitors coming and going (and puddles of water) in places like Khao Sok they have to be regarded as potential sites.

THis year there have been 40.000 recorded cases of Dengue in Thailand and the authorities are expecting a "record" season.

"BANGKOK, 21 June 2013 (NNT) – Nearly 49,000 people in Thailand have been infected with dengue virus, 59 of whom died. Half of the deaths were children.

According to Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong, dengue situation in Thailand is still of concern given nearly 49,000 people have so far been afflicted by the disease.

59 patients have died of dengue fever since the beginning of 2013, and more than half of the number were children. The minister has, therefore, urged all hospitals to diagnose their patients carefully and thoroughly.

The minister has also urged related agencies nationwide to step up prevention measures, including cleaning all water containers and sewer drains, using mosquito-killer sprays, and eliminating all mosquito breeding grounds.
He has also warned those who experience flu, headache, or body ache, to consult a doctor immediately as they could be infected by the deadly dengue virus."


-- NNT 2013-06-21 (national News Bureau of Thailand)