Picaridin (2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester) is a recently approved insect repellant in the United States. It is a safe, effective and odorless non-greasy product. It can be used on children older than 2 years of age. It is available as a 7% solution under the trade name Cutter Advanced®. Picaridin is the recommended insect repellant for mosquitoes transmitting malaria according to World Health Organization proclamation in 2000.11
10. Stauffer WM, Kamat D, Magill AJ. Traveling with infants and children. Part IV: insect avoidance and malaria prevention. J Travel Med. 2003 Aug ;10(4):225-240. 11. Katz TM, Miller JH, Hebert AA. Insect repellents: historical perspectives and new developments. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2008 May ;58(5):865-871.
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that acts as a contact insecticide. It is not for use on skin, but used to saturate clothing and bed nets. The effect lasts for a minimum of two weeks despite laundering. The safety and efficacy profile are remarkable. Together with topically applied 35% DEET, permethrin impregnated clothing provides 99% protection against bites for a period of 8 hours.10
Conclusion Travel related malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and in some instances mortality, which can be effectively prevented by a combination of insect avoidance strategies and chemoprophylaxis.
Resources Tan KR, Mali S, Arguin PM. Malaria risk information and prophylaxis by country. 2010 CDC Health information for international travel – Yellow Book. Chapter 2. http://wwwn.cdc. gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/malaria-risk-informationand-prophylaxis.aspx. Accessed August 13, 2009. 2009 WHO International travel and health. Chapter 7. Malaria http://www.who.int/ith/ITH2009Chapter7.pdf. Accessed August 13, 2009.
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www . DCMS online . org
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