Choose repellents with Icaridin, DEET or IR3535 for effective protection against dengue mosquitoes, taking special precautions for children and avoiding natural products without proven efficacy.
At a time when dengue cases in Brazil are showing alarming numbers, surpassing records from the same period the previous year, choosing an effective repellent becomes more crucial than ever.
Prevention against Aedes aegypti, the notorious transmitter of dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever, requires proven effective products. For this reason, we created an article with the best repellents to protect yourself from insects.
These are the best repellents on the market – Jimmy Chan Pexels
10 efficient repellents to protect against dengue mosquitoes and other insects
According to guidelines from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and ANVISA, repellents containing Icaridin, DEET or IR3535 are recommended to guarantee effective protection.
These substances are known to offer long-lasting protection against insect bites:
Icaridin (20-25%) offers up to ten hours of protection.DEET (10-15%) is effective for six to eight hours.IR3535 protects for up to four hours.
The effectiveness of these components is supported by studies that confirm their repellent action against Aedes aegypti.
It is important to highlight that so-called natural repellents, such as those based on citronella, andiroba or clove oil, have no proof of effectiveness according to ANVISA.
Special care for children
When choosing repellents for little ones, it is essential to observe the specific recommendations for each age group.
Repellent products are prohibited for babies under 6 months. To protect them, SBD suggests wearing light-colored clothing and installing protective screens against mosquitoes.
10 product suggestions
Therefore, check the list of repellents.
XO Insect Repellent Spray (DEET): R$20, effective protection with practical application. Repellent OFF! Active Spray (DEET): R$40, ideal for outdoor activities.Super Repelex repellent (DEET): R$40, offers long-lasting protection.Repemax Wet Wipe (Icaridina): R$120, convenience for touch-ups.XO Insect Baby Gel Repellent (Icaridin) Icaridin): R$50, prolonged protection. Wet Wipe with AntiMos IR535 Repellent (IR3535): R$20, practical for daily use. Moskitoff Baby Lotion Repellent (IR3535): R$20, special for babies.
Fighting the Aedes Aegypti mosquito: strategies for protection and prevention
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and is a public health problem in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Brazil.
Although there is no vaccine available to prevent dengue fever, there are effective measures that individuals and communities can take to reduce the risk of infection.
Delete playback locations
Aedes aegypti lays its eggs in containers with stagnant water, such as old tires, plant pots, empty bottles, poorly sealed water tanks and other water-accumulating containers.
Therefore, one of the most important measures in preventing dengue fever is to eliminate these mosquito breeding sites by keeping them clean, dry and well sealed.
Appropriate products and clothing
The use of mosquito repellents is an effective measure to protect the skin against Aedes aegypti bites, as already mentioned.
It is important to apply the repellent to exposed areas of the body, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Additionally, wearing clothing that covers most of the body, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts, can also help prevent mosquito bites.
Install screens
In addition to repellents, installing screens on doors and windows is another effective way to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Make sure screens are in good condition and free from tears to prevent insects from entering.