Dengue cases in Alagoas increased by 53% according to data released by the State Department of Health. With the growth of the disease, the sale of repellents increased. In Brazil, the largest drugstore chain recorded a 450% growth in sales from November 2023 to January 2024.
However, it is important to check the active ingredients that are recommended by Anvisa to repel mosquitoes. The secretary director of the Alagoas Regional Pharmacy Council, Flavia Dabbur, explains that it is important to look for the active ingredients icaritin, DEET (NN-diethylmetatoluamide) and IR3535 when purchasing, as they are considered safe and effective for topical use. “These products can be presented in the form of sprays, aerosols and emulsions. Some may be associated with sunscreen, for example.”
Flavia points out that some people opt for the natural product, which would be citronella essential oils and andiroba vegetable oil, however, their repellent time is very short. “Ideally, they should be used together with the active ingredients icaritin, DEET (NN-diethylmetatoluamide) and IR3535.” The pharmaceutical company’s guidance is that the population buys these products in safe establishments, such as pharmacies and supermarkets.
Another important point when purchasing is to look at the label because it is where the product’s repellency time is stated, which can reach up to six hours depending on the concentration of the active ingredient. “Pregnant women and mothers of babies need to pay attention to this information to know if the product is approved for use by them and their babies.”
Application
Spray- they can be applied over clothes and avoiding the face area.
Emulsion – can be used all over the body, taking care of the face.
Tags: CRF guidance purchasing repellents Aedes aegypti
