Dengue Fever

[Tropicalevo]

There are definitely dengue carrying mozzies around on the island.

Two customers who have been here three weeks - now in hospital.

They have been travelling all around the island (waterfalls etc). Thai staff working at the villa where they are staying and 5 others in the same party are all OK.

[Samui Coconut]

Surely there is, there was a similar thread a few weeks ago.......waterfalls and jungle trips are better to be avoided.....

[carmine]

Surely there is, there was a similar thread a few weeks ago.......waterfalls and jungle trips are better to be avoided.....

Not avoided necessarily. People should be told to use mosquito repellent. No different to lying on the beach...wear suncream

[Samui Coconut]

Surely there is, there was a similar thread a few weeks ago.......waterfalls and jungle trips are better to be avoided.....

Not avoided necessarily. People should be told to use mosquito repellent. No different to lying on the beach...wear suncream

Repellent protects only to certain extend, jungles are more dangerous when it comes to dengue, Phangan produces a nice number of dengue patients, just ask the clinic of Bangkok Hospital on Phangan....its a weekly occurence there.....

[Eric1949]

Tropicalevo, are there any 'active' waterfalls on Samui at the moment? Maybe pumped??

I go on a walk through the Lamai valley most mornings ( 0530) and all of the rivers running off of the 'mountains' are dry. Insect free.

[Sheryl]

There is dengue everywhere in Thailand.

and the highest risk comes from areas near stagnant water of any kind..puddles, uncovered water jars etc

it is spread by a daytime mosquito so prevention depends on avoiding bites during the day.

[Sophon]

Surely there is, there was a similar thread a few weeks ago.......waterfalls and jungle trips are better to be avoided.....

The mosquito that caries dengue is closely associated with humans and lives where people live. You are probably less likely to be bitten by it in the jungle than in a town/city.

Sophon

[Samui Coconut]

There is dengue everywhere in Thailand.

and the highest risk comes from areas near stagnant water of any kind..puddles, uncovered water jars etc

it is spread by a daytime mosquito so prevention depends on avoiding bites during the day.

Correct, thats why I said avoid the jungle as tourists visit the jungle during day time (not at night I would guess)

[samuijimmy]

I would say, that many of the waterfalls are down to a dribble right now, with so little rain of late ....

I've been surprised at how few mosquitoes have been around this year....

I think rather than avoiding the "jungle areas" the best thing is to use a repellent, like Citronella ... if trekking around those areas, but if they are around, then probably around some of the beach areas too.... ?

[oxmonks]

I found taking Vit B1 tablets (1 a day) kept most but not all of the mozzies at bay.

[marstons]

Surely there is, there was a similar thread a few weeks ago.......waterfalls and jungle trips are better to be avoided.....

The mosquito that caries dengue is closely associated with humans and lives where people live. You are probably less likely to be bitten by it in the jungle than in a town/city.

Sophon

Specialist at Pattaya Bangkok hospital told me its a big problem now so obviously it is a town/city problem as you say. Just the concrete jungle in Pattaya.

[cowslip]

Jungle / schmungle! - Dengue mozzies spread Dengue best in urban areas. They breed in very small amounts of water - flowerpots, old tires etc and the disease has to be transmitted from an infected person to another by being carried by the mozzie, this means the closer the next person the better.

Edited September 3, 2012 by cowslip

[AL1508]

I seen a story in the local rag blaming it on the Burmese workers!

[Rooo]

I seen a story in the local rag blaming it on the Burmese workers!

Na you are way out, it's the southern insurgency causing it all.

[Rooo]

I seen a story in the local rag blaming it on the Burmese workers!

Na you are way out, it's the southern insurgency causing it all.

How can they blame the Burmese? What ? Do they bring it with them into the country? The local rag should find something more useful to do then spreading misinformation.

They catch it here like everyone else. Mosquitos are not selective., probably a higher rate around workers camps due to their living conditions.

[wellred]

Does this actually work? If so I may give it a go. Last time I was using these anti mossie patches which I think contained vit b12 and I was fine in all places but when I got to phangan I received a few bites on the feet.

I don't really want to use any chemical based spray like deet.

[Tropicalevo]

I find that inbibing regular amounts of local beer seems to keep them away. Her indoors gets a lot of mozzie bites, but she only drinks red wine and VAT's.

[phetphet]

Does this actually work? If so I may give it a go. Last time I was using these anti mossie patches which I think contained vit b12 and I was fine in all places but when I got to phangan I received a few bites on the feet.

I don't really want to use any chemical based spray like deet.

If you don't want to use Deet, maybe try something containing citronella. As for B vitamins, might be an old wives tale, but I have heard that eating Marmite also helps. :-) Google it if you don't believe me.

Edited September 4, 2012 by phetphet

[wellred]

Yeah vit b has always been an old wives tale, no actual facts to back up.

Cheers for the citronella tip. Just found a few different types of patches, don't really fancy a spray or lotion.

[RicFlair]

I eat Marmite most mornings, and have hardly any trouble with mosquitoes. I never use any repellants as I have young children and would rather I was bitten than them. Do find the longer you live on the Island the less you seem to get bitten.

[samuijimmy]

Does this actually work? If so I may give it a go. Last time I was using these anti mossie patches which I think contained vit b12 and I was fine in all places but when I got to phangan I received a few bites on the feet.

I don't really want to use any chemical based spray like deet.

If you don't want to use Deet, maybe try something containing citronella. As for B vitamins, might be an old wives tale, but I have heard that eating Marmite also helps. :-) Google it if you don't believe me.

Marmite contains B12 vitamin if one reads the label...!!!!.

I've been eating peanut butter and Marmite sandwich for lunch, more often this year, and far less problems with the mossies biting ....

Although I still say there seems to be less around this year... at least in my area...

But too, I do use Citronella spray when heading out in evenings some times...

Guess now there will be a run on Marmite at Tesco.... but for those not brought up on it, will think it's disgusting..... It's a taste you have to acquire as a child!

You may read that Bounce fabric softener sheets work... They don't!

[cowslip]

Does this actually work? If so I may give it a go. Last time I was using these anti mossie patches which I think contained vit b12 and I was fine in all places but when I got to phangan I received a few bites on the feet.

I don't really want to use any chemical based spray like deet.

If you don't want to use Deet, maybe try something containing citronella. As for B vitamins, might be an old wives tale, but I have heard that eating Marmite also helps. :-) Google it if you don't believe me.

Marmite contains B12 vitamin if one reads the label...!!!!.

I've been eating peanut butter and Marmite sandwich for lunch, more often this year, and far less problems with the mossies biting ....

Although I still say there seems to be less around this year... at least in my area...

But too, I do use Citronella spray when heading out in evenings some times...

Guess now there will be a run on Marmite at Tesco.... but for those not brought up on it, will think it's disgusting..... It's a taste you have to acquire as a child!

You may read that Bounce fabric softener sheets work... They don't!

perhaps if you just smeared marmite and peanut butter all over yourself?

Many old cultures used various forms of grease/animal fat as protection. Largely asa physical barrier more than anything else.

most "repellents" other than DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus have little or no scientific evidence to back them up.

How mosquitos sense and locate their victims has to be considered.

As I understand it they have no actual sense of smell, theycan detect CO2 and also look for large dark silhouettes.

So don't smell or look like a buffalo - tall order for some, I know.

only the femal bites or needs blood.....and they only feed once or twice a day.

It has also been said that peope have widely varying reactions to mozzie bites - some have an obvious reaction but other have none at all, so people who claim they aren't bitten could well be mistaken, they just don't realise they are bitten.

Edited September 5, 2012 by cowslip

[Tropicalevo]

Mozzies love the colours blue then black. They try and avoid yellow and white.

Think about what you wear

[samuijimmy]

Does this actually work? If so I may give it a go. Last time I was using these anti mossie patches which I think contained vit b12 and I was fine in all places but when I got to phangan I received a few bites on the feet.

I don't really want to use any chemical based spray like deet.

If you don't want to use Deet, maybe try something containing citronella. As for B vitamins, might be an old wives tale, but I have heard that eating Marmite also helps. :-) Google it if you don't believe me.

Marmite contains B12 vitamin if one reads the label...!!!!.

I've been eating peanut butter and Marmite sandwich for lunch, more often this year, and far less problems with the mossies biting ....

Although I still say there seems to be less around this year... at least in my area...

But too, I do use Citronella spray when heading out in evenings some times...

Guess now there will be a run on Marmite at Tesco.... but for those not brought up on it, will think it's disgusting..... It's a taste you have to acquire as a child!

You may read that Bounce fabric softener sheets work... They don't!

perhaps if you just smeared marmite and peanut butter all over yourself? Na..... that would be a bit hard to wash off.....

Many old cultures used various forms of grease/animal fat as protection. Largely asa physical barrier more than anything else.

Mud works well too, but you won't look very pretty!

most "repellents" other than DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus have little or no scientific evidence to back them up.

Well that's probably because there is not big money in it for the Pharmaceutical companies ... I've done my own research, Lemon Grass works for me!

How mosquitos sense and locate their victims has to be considered. ........They fly around until they "get lucky"......

[phetphet]

Some suggestions from a reporter in Sun newspaper, so not exactly a science journal. Make of it what you will.

• Eat plenty of Marmite. It contains vitamin B which mozzies absolutely hate. If you cant stand the sticky spread, take vitamin B supplements which will have the same effect.
  

• Avoid wearing aftershave as the sweet smell attracts their attention.
  
• If you buy a repellant, make sure its got Deet in it. The chemical has the unique ability to blind the mosquitoes senses — making you invisible to them.
  
• Wear patterned clothes – dark, plain colours, especially electric blue, attract the insects.
  
• Keep a fan near your bed as the beasts cant stand a breeze.
  
• Put a net over your bed to stop them getting to you.
  

IF, despite the precautions, you get bitten, try these suggestions to soothe the irritation:

• Make a paste of baking soda and water, using just enough water to make the paste sticky. Spread the mixture on the bites.
  
• Rub soap on to the bite.
  
• Apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a washcloth to the bitten area.
  
• Use calamine lotion or a topical anaesthetic to relieve pain and itching.
  
• Take an anti-histamine to help with swelling or itching.
  
• Do not rub your inflamed skin. Soak instead of scrubbing and pat dry instead of rubbing.
  
• Use aloe vera gel to reduce swelling and itching.
  

PRINT OUT THIS PAGE TO KEEP OUR MOZZIE GUIDE

Read more:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/250827/Eat-Marmite-to-beat-mozzies.html#ixzz25ZopjBQh

Apparently garlic is also a deterrent.

[cowslip]

Some suggestions from a reporter in Sun newspaper, so not exactly a science journal. Make of it what you will.

• Eat plenty of Marmite. It contains vitamin B which mozzies absolutely hate. If you can’t stand the sticky spread, take vitamin B supplements which will have the same effect.
  

• Avoid wearing aftershave as the sweet smell attracts their attention.
  
• If you buy a repellant, make sure it’s got Deet in it. The chemical has the unique ability to “blind” the mosquitoes’ senses — making you invisible to them.
  
• Wear patterned clothes – dark, plain colours, especially electric blue, attract the insects.
  
• Keep a fan near your bed as the beasts can’t stand a breeze.
  
• Put a net over your bed to stop them getting to you.
  

IF, despite the precautions, you get bitten, try these suggestions to soothe the irritation:

• Make a paste of baking soda and water, using just enough water to make the paste sticky. Spread the mixture on the bites.
  
• Rub soap on to the bite.
  
• Apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a washcloth to the bitten area.
  
• Use calamine lotion or a topical anaesthetic to relieve pain and itching.
  
• Take an anti-histamine to help with swelling or itching.
  
• Do not rub your inflamed skin. Soak instead of scrubbing and pat dry instead of rubbing.
  
• Use aloe vera gel to reduce swelling and itching.
  

PRINT OUT THIS PAGE TO KEEP OUR MOZZIE GUIDE

Read more:

http://www.thesun.co...l#ixzz25ZopjBQh

Apparently garlic is also a deterrent.

Some papers should be taken with a pinch of salt - which is probably a lot more effective than anything they suggest.

[cowslip]

There is dengue everywhere in Thailand.

and the highest risk comes from areas near stagnant water of any kind..puddles, uncovered water jars etc

it is spread by a daytime mosquito so prevention depends on avoiding bites during the day.

Correct, thats why I said avoid the jungle as tourists visit the jungle during day time (not at night I would guess)

this last piece of advice is misleading - you are much more at risk in somewhere like Pattaya. Please check up on how the disease is transmitted!

Edited September 7, 2012 by cowslip

[cowslip]

samuijimmy

unfortunately it appears you don't understand how a scientific trial is carried out. Any claims by the manufacturers have to be scientifically veritable - by independent labs.

Trials on other substances have shown them not to be effective. I believe citronella has been shown to work to some degree though...you might want to check what else is in the substance though.

as for mozzies "flying around" - they have both limited flight range and life span. The females only bite and then sometimes only once in 24 hours.

Edited September 7, 2012 by cowslip

[samuijimmy]

samuijimmy

unfortunately it appears you don't understand how a scientific trial is carried out. Any claims by the manufacturers have to be scientifically veritable - by independent labs.

Trials on other substances have shown them not to be effective. I believe citronella has been shown to work to some degree though...you might want to check what else is in the substance though.

as for mozzies "flying around" - they have both limited flight range and life span. The females only bite and then sometimes only once in 24 hours.

Well perhaps you should read this.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citronella_oil

I would say a l lot of trails have been done on Citronella.. and proven to be effective.......

If you want to find out, what is put into the locally produced spray bottle, the company address is 16 M.2 T Angthong, Koh Samui, Tel 077-420 535

Ingredient listed: 25% Citronella grass oil.... I would guess the remainder is crystal clear spring water...

Why don't you call them and ask? I really have better things to do!

There a number of plants/ weeds grown on Samui and or Thailand (world) that can be used for various things.... probably for hundreds of years....

One very common weed will stop blood instantly from bleeding... even shaving cuts...

The sap of another small tree will promote faster healing of wounds and deep scraps. A local showed me that after a bike accident... Not something you would find in the "western medical books" .... cos being natural, they can not patent it... and make huge amounts of money... ...(and yes I do know they spend tons of money in research on trials for things) ....

In the mean time I for one will continue to use Citronella spray, because it works for me!

For those who don't know, Citronella grass can be easily grown here.... it looks like Lemon grass, but grows taller.... You can also crush the leaves and put on your skin.... or clothing.... As they locals say... "Up to you! " whether to try it or not... !

Edited September 8, 2012 by samuijimmy

[cowslip]

samuijimmy

unfortunately it appears you don't understand how a scientific trial is carried out. Any claims by the manufacturers have to be scientifically veritable - by independent labs.

Trials on other substances have shown them not to be effective. I believe citronella has been shown to work to some degree though...you might want to check what else is in the substance though.

as for mozzies "flying around" - they have both limited flight range and life span. The females only bite and then sometimes only once in 24 hours.

Well perhaps you should read this.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citronella_oil

I would say a l lot of trails have been done on Citronella.. and proven to be effective.......

If you want to find out, what is put into the locally produced spray bottle, the company address is 16 M.2 T Angthong, Koh Samui, Tel 077-420 535

Ingredient listed: 25% Citronella grass oil.... I would guess the remainder is crystal clear spring water...

Why don't you call them and ask? I really have better things to do!

There a number of plants/ weeds grown on Samui and or Thailand (world) that can be used for various things.... probably for hundreds of years....

One very common weed will stop blood instantly from bleeding... even shaving cuts...

The sap of another small tree will promote faster healing of wounds and deep scraps. A local showed me that after a bike accident... Not something you would find in the "western medical books" .... cos being natural, they can not patent it... and make huge amounts of money... ...(and yes I do know they spend tons of money in research on trials for things) ....

In the mean time I for one will continue to use Citronella spray, because it works for me!

For those who don't know, Citronella grass can be easily grown here.... it looks like Lemon grass, but grows taller.... You can also crush the leaves and put on your skin.... or clothing.... As they locals say... "Up to you! " whether to try it or not... !

Are you suggesting I said "citronella" doesn't work?