The Best Insect Repellent: Offering Protection Against Zika-Carrying Mosquitoes

The Best Insect Repellent: Offering Protection Against Zika-Carrying Mosquitoes - Less Mosquito

Talking about tropical diseases in the UK sounds somewhat alien; our climate isn’t exactly hot (even during the height of summer!) However, recent years have seen temperatures rise (a by-product of climate change) and experts say this has triggered a movement of insects, specifically mosquitoes, from the tropics to Western Europe – carrying with them, diseases such as Zika, dengue and malaria.

So in this blog, we’re going to cover the rising threat of diseases carried by mosquitoes – explaining why taking preventative measures, such as using the best insect repellent may help to lessen their impact.

Increased Migration of Insects: Highlighting The Importance of Finding The Best Insect Repellent

The Zika Virus.

A major concern for health experts has been the growth of the Zika virus in recent years. Transmitted primarily by the Aedes family of mosquitoes (which bite during the day), symptoms are generally mild (lasting for 2-7 days) and may include a fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, lethargy or a headache. Research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also identified a heightened risk of neurologic complications from the virus in adults and children – including Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis.

More ominously, Zika infections during pregnancy have been noted to have high potential to cause infants to be born with microcephaly (affecting brain development) and several other congenital malformations; known widely as ‘congenital Zika syndrome’.

First identified (in humans) in Uganda and Tanzania in 1952, further outbreaks were recorded elsewhere in Africa, as well as in Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. With global travel becoming somewhat easier during the mid-late 20th century, European travellers to these locations were infected and brought the virus home. Since 2015, following an outbreak in South America, around 2,400 cases of Zika have been detected in Europe.

However, 2019 saw the first indigenous case of a Zika virus in Europe – creating a need for anti-Zika safeguards, such as the formulation of the best insect repellent.

Zika Comes To Europe.

In October 2019, French authorities reported that there had been a case of an indigenous case of Zika, in Hyeres, on the Mediterranean coast. The patient had no travel history to any Zika-endemic countries and it was also later reported that two more people had suffered from Zika symptoms, in the same place and around the same time (August 2019). Although the three patients recovered, it causes somewhat of a concern that indigenous cases are being recorded on mainland Europe.

As European health professionals have been put on alert, Public Health England have been taking steps to put in place measures in case of an outbreak.  Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes Albopictus) have been detected across South East England, believed to have been transported over the Channel in lorries. With the summer of 2018 being the joint-hottest on record (for the UK as a whole), there is concern[i] that the Asian tiger mosquito will acclimatise, take up residence and breed – producing an outbreak of Zika.

How To Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes

Whether you’re travelling to any warm/tropical climates or are concerned about mosquitoes (or any other insects) at home, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. WHO have produced a number of safeguards against any kind of mosquito bites, including the wearing of light-coloured clothing (that covers as much of the body as possible), using window screens and closing doors and windows, as well as applying the best insect repellent to skin and/or clothing.

WHO also say that it’s particularly important to put in place these protections during the day and early evening – due to their effects, special attention should be given to young children, pregnant women and women of reproductive age.

So if you’re interested in using the best insect repellent to ward off the effects of zika-carrying mosquitoes, then why not go incognito®?

Award-Winning Insect Repellent, By Incognito®

Our mission here at incognito® is simple; we aim to provide as many people as possible with the best insect repellent on the market – providing them with 100% natural protection against the effects of insects bites. By using all-natural ingredients, our products can be used by a wide range of people, especially those with sensitive skin and infants aged from 6 months.

Our award-winning Insect Repellent Spray has been clinically tested to provide full protection against Aedes aegypti, the Zika & dengue-carrying mosquito, as well as the malaria-carrying Anopheles gambiae – for up to 4 hours at a time. Available in 100ml or mini 50ml bottles (ideal to slip into a bag whilst on the move), you can rest assured that you will be able to reach for protection, regardless of where you may be.

Aside from our Mosquito Insect Repellent Spray, we have a Roll-on Insect Repellent and several Insect Repellent & Suncream combinations (rated up to SPF30); working to protect you against both insect bites and the sun – all in one formulation!

All of our products are non-GM and vegan-friendly – never tested on animals. So, whether you’re looking for a daily protection for those long summer days or you’re going on holiday to a tropical climate, why not take the time to browse our ranges and learn more about each insect repellent product that we have on sale?

If you would like to learn more about what makes our range the best insect repellent products on the market, our dedicated sales team are on hand to answer all of your questions. Give them a call today on 020 7792 8687 or send an e-mail to info@lessmosquito.com and they’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

[i] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7018387/Dengue-Mersey-Health-chiefs-warn-NHS-prepare-deadly-tropical-diseases.html

Back to blog

Leave a comment