Deet and dengue - lesser of the two evils?

[Jolibee]

Hi all, we live in the tropics in a dengue prevailant area and are finding repellent which doesn't have DEET in it is having zero affect. Our daughter is 6 months. The idea of her wearing DEET all the time is not good, however getting dengue is even worse. Anyone else in a similar predicament? What did you decide? Any bright ideas? Thanks!

Can you not spray her clothing the night before?

I use DEET and spray my bedding and nightwear in the morning and my clothes/hat in the evening, and it is much nicer than the slimey feeling after DEET'ing myself.

I also DEET the curtains/rugs when abroad.

I find it is the other thing that stops me being breakfast/lunch/dinner and supper!!

Dengue mosquitos bit in the daytime. not evening and night like malaria ones.

dress her in light colour clothing, long sleeves and legs if possible, which mosquitoes avoid and will show them up if they do land on her.

keep her in screened area as much as possible.

Have you tried stuff with Australian Eucalyptus in? It's been shown by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to be as effective as DEET. I've used it on many occassions and agree it's great (used to work in Africa / SE Asia). Will try and find you a link if you're interested.

Agree with foxytocin's suggestions also btw.

I spray in that way so that it is dry when i am using it and in need of the protection, it also lessens the fumes, important for a little one.

The last thing you want is a baby with dengue. I've had it and it's the worst thing I've ever had. It can be a killer in small children as well. I think the really critical thing to remember is what foxytocin says - keep her screened and remember that it's a daytime mosquito. I always used non-deet repellents on the kids, but spray rooms regularly and make sure there's not standing water around. Sadly, long sleeves and legs playing out and watch out for rubbish piles, discarded car tyres etc as they are breeding grounds.

I grew up in the tropics. Dengue fever is a big issue. Apart from screening, make sure you don't have any stagnant pools of water around, like bakumum says. Even a tiny area can be a breeding ground eg flower pot dishes.

I don't remember spraying with DEET. However, the government would regularly send people round to do sprayings. Not everyday, maybe once a few months.

Hi Jolibee

I lived in a dengue area for the whole of last year with my ds - he was two at the time, we left without him catching either dengue or malaria. It is not easy and a constant worry. The key is to keep on top of all the measures mentioned here, long sleeves, white clothes, keep doors shut, remove standing water area's and spray rooms before they are used by her. At 6 months at least you have some degree of control over her movements.

We found this link very useful. We did use some deet in the end, but only when we could tell the mosi's were on the increase after rains. As mentioned Australian Eucalyptus was also good.

And I'm sure you know, just the hint of a temperature and get her tested for dengue. Research and plan for what you would do if it is dengue, which hospitals you would go to, and the travel needed if you are in the sticks.

good luck