The vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is not completely effective, so you should also protect yourself against mosquito bites in high-risk areas.

Follow the advice below to prevent being bitten by infected mosquitoes:

• If possible, sleep in rooms with close-fitting gauze over the windows and doors.
• If this is not possible or you are sleeping outside, use mosquito nets that have been impregnated with an insecticide, such as permethrin. 
• Spray the room with insecticide in the early evening to kill any mosquitoes that have got in during the day.
• Mosquitoes that carry the Japanese encephalitis virus are usually most active at dusk and enjoy warm, humid conditions. If you go outside after sunset, cover up with long-sleeved tops, trousers and socks.
• Mosquitoes can bite through skin-tight clothing so, if possible, wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Apply a good-quality insect repellent to any exposed areas of skin.

Insect repellent

Various types of insect repellent are available. Many contain diethyltoluamide (DEET). If you are allergic to DEET, other insect repellents are available, including dimethyl phthalate (contained in Shoo!) or eucalyptus oil (contained in Mosi-Guard).

When using insect repellent, follow the guidelines below:

• Do not use the insect repellents on cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Do not get insect repellent in your eyes, mouth and ears.
• Do not spray the insect repellent directly onto your face. Spray it onto your hands and then apply it to your face.
• Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent themselves. Put it on your hands and then apply it to your child.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying insect repellent.
• Wash off the repellent with soap and water when it is no longer needed.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If you or your children have an adverse reaction to insect repellent, such as redness, stop using it. Wash it off and contact your GP or a local healthcare professional if you are abroad.