“The risks of mosquito and tick borne diseases to Britons holidaying in Europe is increasing due to prolonged heatwaves and higher temperatures and longer and warmer summers,” says bite prevention expert and founder and CEO of incognito, Howard Carter. “The higher temperatures for a longer period of time allow species of mosquitoes previously confined to the tropics to establish themselves in European countries.”
“The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, chikungunya and dengue are ‘becoming an increasing public health concern in Europe’ [1],” continues Howard. “Unfortunately people from the UK are more likely to not use insect repellent than to use it, partly because it has not been a necessity in the past. However, if people don’t learn to deal with biting insects now, it will get worse for everyone with even greater numbers of biting insects, as they will feed on people and produce more insects.”
“The ECDC advises that ‘insect repellent, protective clothing and indoor protection measures such as window screens, air conditioning or mosquito nets offer good protection. It is also important to avoid leaving stagnant water close to homes and gardens, as this is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.’”
“Data from the ECDC showed that there have been 429 locally acquired West Nile Virus infections in Europe this year, up to 13th August, across 9 different countries – Italy, Greece, Romania, France, North Macedonia, Spain, Germany, Kosovo and Serbia. 77 areas are affected, with 19 new ones in the latest reporting week by the ECDC [2].”
“Up to 12th August, there have been 15 cases of locally acquired Chikungunya in Europe, all in France, with 8 newly reported cases in the last week [3]. There has been one case of locally acquired Dengue up to 12th August, again in France [4].”
“In addition, tick borne diseases are an increasing risk, as ticks, which live across Europe, are becoming active for longer due to milder spring and autumn weather. ‘Infected ticks can transmit Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which can lead to serious long-term complications’ [1]”
“The ECDC advises ‘wearing long sleeves and long trousers when hiking or spending time in parks can help prevent tick bites, as well as checking for ticks and removing them after spending time outdoors. A vaccine effective against tick-borne encephalitis is available.’ [1]”
“I have developed a ‘Simple Step System’ of layered protection. The more you layer, the more you stay protected. There are 4 Steps; Steps 1 and 2 give essential protection, whilst all 4 Steps give maximum protection for both your skin and your surroundings.”
“Step 1: Prepare Your Skin – thoroughly cleanse to reduce your attractiveness to insects. Replace scented toiletries with citronella and citrus-aromatic products that insects don’t like, reducing your attraction before you even apply repellent.”
“Step 2: Apply Repellent – apply a clinically proven insect repellent such as incognito (www.lessmosquito.com), which provides clinically proven protection from ticks, mosquitoes, midges and other insects and is up to 100% effective against mosquitoes for 4 hours – including species that carry West Nile virus, Zika, dengue and chikungunya.”
“Step 3: Layer With Extras – for extra protection layer up with accessories, such as bracelets, necklaces, moisturisers and deodorants containing Java citronella. Ideal for mosquito magnets, children or higher disease-risk destinations.”
“Step 4: Ambient & Afterbite – protect your space inside and outside. Create an insect-repellent atmosphere around you with incense sticks, room refreshers or Citronella Oil containing Java citronella. Perfect for evenings outdoors, hotel rooms and shared spaces. And if you forget to apply your repellent, relieve bites and stings with Zap-Ease.”
“In a nutshell the more prone you are to getting bitten the more steps you should take, but Steps 1 and 2 are a must”.