Overview of mosquito-borne diseases and prevention strategies

Most travellers will be aware of malaria, yet many other diseases can be spread through insect bites. Sharon Graham describes the main diseases and their geographical spread, and advises on the best protection behaviours nurses can recommend to travelling patients The focus of mosquito-borne disease generally centres on the biggest killer – malaria – but the public has recently become aware of other diseases that the small biting insect can transmit to travellers. One that has drawn much media attention is the Zita virus, with last year's outbreak in South America resulting in the World Health Organization declaring a global public health emergency. This article aims to raise awareness of other carriers and diseases, and to enable nurses advising patients on travel health to provide up-to-date information on prevention and avoidance strategies.