Mosquito-borne illness prevention

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On this page, you'll find advice about how to prevent mosquito-borne diseases you may encounter while travelling. 

You should consult your doctor for advice about your specific circumstances, especially if you are, or are trying to get pregnant. 

For general advice on staying healthy while travelling, visit our Health page.

Mosquito in profile

Mosquito-borne illnesses and transmission

Dengue fever, chikungunya virus and zika virus are spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and cannot be spread directly from person to person. 

Malaria is caused by a parasite spread by the bite on an infected Anopheles mosquito.  

West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.

The mosquitoes that are able to spread these viruses are not normally found in New Zealand.

Read our advice on mosquito transmitted diseases.

Where to take care?

Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses are common in the tropical and sub-tropical climates in many Pacific Islands, in North Queensland (Australia), Asia (including India), tropical Africa and Latin/South America. West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia.

Since 2014, there has been an increase in confirmed cases of dengue, chikungunya and zika virus infection in many Pacific Islands including the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Niue, Tuvalu, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. In November 2015, cases of Dengue fever were reported by the Hawaii Department of Health on Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island). The highest rates of transmission of malaria occurs in Africa South of the Sahara and in parts of Oceania such as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. 

See where current disease outbreaks are

Prevention advice for travellers

Travellers to countries where mosquito borne illnesses are able to spread are advised to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in lodgings where there are mosquito screens on windows and doors. Because zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes mostly active during daytime, it is important that all travellers visiting affected areas continue to take protective measures to prevent mosquito bites throughout the day.

Avoid mosquito bites during the day and night by:

Indoors:

  • Make sure your accommodation is insect proof. Stay in places with screens on windows and doors. Turn on the air conditioning if you have it as cool air keeps mosquito away. Use bed nets, as necessary. 
  • Use insect sprays indoors when mosquitoes are around.
  • Use mosquito coils.
  • Use screens on tents. 

Outdoors:

  • Use insect repellent. Wear a repellent cream or spray, preferably containing diethyltoluamide (DEET). Repellents containing less than 35 percent DEET are recommended because higher concentrations are no more effective – they just work for longer and in rare cases they cause poisoning. Other products containing 20-25 percent picaridin and those containing about 30 percent lemon eucalyptus oil (equating to about 20 percent para-methane-diol (PMD) are also appropriate to use. Repellents should not be applied to wounds, irritated skin, eyes, or mouth.
  • Apply sunscreen first and then the apply insect repellent.
  • Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, longs pants and hats.
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as closed-toe shoes or boots, pants, socks, and tents).
  • Wear loose-fitting light-coloured clothing.
  • Be particularly vigilant for the 2 hours after sunrise and the 2 hours before sunset. 

What to do if you are concerned

If you feel unwell during your trip or in the first three weeks after your return, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice and tell your healthcare provider about your travel.  Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should consult with their health care provider before you go overseas.  Read our advice on common infectious diseases.

For further advice

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