Mosquitoes in Phuket, Thailand are a major concern, especially for travelers new to the tropics or travelling with children. There is a high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases in Phuket, which is located along the coast of Southern Thailand. In addition to its tropical climate and long wet season, this town was ideal for mosquito breeding. Hot and humid weather makes mosquito breeding ideal.
Thailand’s mosquito population is at its worst during and just after the rainy season (May through September), but they present a nuisance year round – although the risk of contracting Dengue Fever and Japanese B encephalitis is higher during and after the rainy season.
A rise in mosquito-borne diseases has been reported in Phuket province. Local sources report numerous cases of mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya and dengue fever, throughout the province.
If you are planning a trip to Phuket, you should be aware of the risks associated with mosquitoes as well as how to avoid being bitten by them. The rapid increase in dengue cases in Thailand makes it imperative that you take preventative measures against mosquito infestations, especially in your home and around your family.
Mosquitoes transmit the following diseases after they bite, along with causing itchiness. Mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of diseases like dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria in Thailand.
Bangkok and other urban areas are particularly susceptible to dengue fever. Symptoms usually include a mild to severe fever, flu-like symptoms, pain in the eyes, and a rash.
Japanese Encephalitis: This disease is more common in rural areas, particularly those where pigs are raised. The lungs and nervous system are both affected by this virus. Headache, fever, nausea, and confusion are some of the symptoms.
Lymphatic filariasis is very common in cities and towns. Parasites attack the lymph nodes after being bitten by an infected mosquito. This causes severe swelling, skin thickening, and disfigurement, especially in the lower extremities.
Malaria is occasionally present in rural areas bordering Thailand’s neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Cycles of high fever, chills, sweating, and body aches are symptoms of this parasitic disease.
How to Stay Away from Mosquitoes in Phuket, Thailand:
- All of the mosquito-repelling bracelets and wristbands shown are completely natural and free of DEET.
- The few seconds it takes to apply bug spray will make your trip far more enjoyable.
- By a long shot, Incognito insect repellent is the best mosquito repellent for Thailand. Incognito maintains that it provides clinically proven malaria protection.
- When you go outside in Thailand, make it a habit to use bug spray, especially around your ankles and knees. When venturing away from civilization or toward adventure, double up on insect repellant: hiking, zip-lining, bike tours, and so on.
- Choose your hotel carefully: Mosquitoes prefer still water and humid, airless environments in Thailand. They, on the other hand, cannot fly in a breeze. This frequently doubles the enjoyment of the beach. Many hotels in Thailand spray for mosquitoes, so they’ll be less of an issue in your hotel than ‘out in the real world.’ Some eco-resorts only use natural methods, while others spray every square inch with a repellent fog on a regular basis.
Tips for reducing the likelihood of being bitten:
It is critical to avoid being bitten by a mosquito in order to prevent the spread and transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses.
- The first step is to reduce the number of mosquitos in your immediate vicinity. Mosquitoes thrive in cool, dark places with stagnant water. Remove or secure any items that can collect water and serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Avoid areas with still water, such as shallow ponds and marshes, whenever possible.
- The second step in mosquito prevention is to create a barrier between you and the insects. Make sure that open windows and doors have screens, and that sleeping areas have mosquito nets. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will protect your skin from direct attack. However, because of the hot tropical temperatures, this is entirely up to you.
- Spraying mosquito repellant on your skin and clothing, or burning mosquito coils nearby, will also keep mosquitos at bay. Sitting in front of a fan will also physically keep mosquitos away from you because they will be unable to fly against the air current.
A vaccine against Japanese encephalitis is available, as are antimalarial drugs for people who are at risk of contracting lymphatic filariasis. There is a short-term malaria preventative drug that is more commonly prescribed for visitors rather than Thai residents.
Advice: Individuals in Thailand are advised to wear covering clothing, use insect repellent, and sleep in a screened-in or air-conditioned room to protect themselves from mosquito bites, as well as to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds
Malaria medication:
To avoid malaria, you should avoid mosquito bites. Depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are travelling, and if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside, you may required to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil are two effective options.
Generally :
• Use DEET-containing bug spray.
• Dress in light, light-colored, baggy clothing that covers your ankles to your wrists (spray your clothes with Permethrin for extra protection).
• Keep windows and doors shut in the morning and evening.
• Be gentle with the mosquito netting that surrounds your bed.
• Always sleep with mosquito netting or in air-conditioned rooms (even cheap Thai hotels often offer A/C rooms at a premium price; these invariably feel mildewy, but have far fewer mosquitoes).
• If all of your efforts are still only 90 percent effective, relieve the itch with After Bite or Tiger Balm from a local 7-11 (Thailand is densely packed with 7-11s).
• You and your family can be protected from mosquito bites.
• Use insect repellents that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) external icon.
• Dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Apply permethrin to clothing and equipment.
• Keep mosquitoes at bay both inside and outside.
• Avoid mosquito bites when travelling abroad.
What Happens When You Get Bitten by a Mosquito:
When a mosquito bites you, it pierces your skin with a special mouthpart (proboscis) in order to suck up your blood. While feeding, the mosquito injects saliva into your skin. The saliva causes your body to react, resulting in a bump and itching.
Some people react only mildly to a bite or bites. Others may react more strongly, resulting in a large area of swelling, soreness, and redness.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of mosquito bites include:
• A puffy, reddish bump that appears a few minutes after the bite.
• A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump or multiple bumps that appear a day or two after the bite or bites
• Small blisters rather than hard bumps
• Dark spots that resemble bruises
More severe reactions are possible in:
• Children
• Adults bitten by a mosquito species to which they have not previously been exposed
• Individuals suffering from immune system disorders.
People who are having more severe reactions may exhibit the following symptoms:
• Swelling and redness in a large area
• High-grade fever
• Hives
• Inflamed lymph nodes
Mosquito-borne illness treatment:
To soothe bitten skin, apply an ointment or cream containing an anti-inflammatory agent (antihistamine) or menthol. Scratching should be avoided to reduce the risk of infection and scarring. In most cases, the itching and swelling will go away in a few days with no other side effects or infections.
If you suspect you are suffering from a mosquito-borne illness, we strongly advise you to consult a doctor. If you are infected, a simple blood test will confirm it. You may be admitted to the hospital for a few days until the worst of your symptoms have passed. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly will be given special attention.
Even with these precautions, there is no guarantee that mosquitoes will not attack you. Taking charge by reducing the number of mosquitoes around you and protecting your skin, on the other hand, will significantly reduce your chances of being bitten. There are numerous ways to avoid mosquito bites, in addition to using a high-quality mosquito repellent. Here are some ideas for staying mosquito-free in Thailand:
• Mosquitoes are active in the early morning and late afternoon/early evening. Finally, it’s best to plan to stay indoors during these swarming hours.
• Clean the affected area with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack on the affected area for about 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Reapply the ice pack, if required.
• Apply a baking soda and water mixture to help reduce the itch response. Make a paste with 1 tablespoon baking soda and a little water. Apply paste directly to the mosquito bite and wait for ten minutes. And then rinse it off. To relieve itching, apply an over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream.
