SMS Natal guides the choice and appropriate use of repellents against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

With the increase in the number of arbovirus cases in the municipality, care against Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that transmits diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, is intensified in Natal. A product in high demand, as part of the population’s insect care, is repellent. With this in mind, the Natal Municipal Health Department (SMS), through the Medication Control Center, belonging to the Natal Health Surveillance (VISA Natal), provides information on the correct way to choose products and properly use mosquito repellents.

When choosing a repellent for topical use (those that can be applied to the skin), you must pay attention to the label and check whether the product is registered with the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). “In pharmacies and supermarkets there are several different brands and types of repellents, therefore, it is important to choose repellents approved by ANVISA, and which contain the presence of active ingredients such as DEET, Icaridin and IR 3535”, explains Ivone Nunes, head of the Center of Medicines Control.

DEET, Icaridin and IR 3535 are substances that, when present in repellents, are effective in combating Aedes aegypti. Repellents that contain these active ingredients are safe for use during pregnancy (according to the manufacturer’s instructions), and repellents for children often have lower concentrations of these active ingredients, therefore, it is important to check the label and apply the product to children under 2 years only under medical guidance.
Application
Repellent should be applied before outdoor activities, especially at dawn or dusk; it must be applied to exposed areas of the body, except in cases where the label provides instructions for use directly on clothing; In case of contact with eyes, immediately wash the area with running water. Reapplying the product is recommended in situations of prolonged exposure or excessive sweating.
“The protection time of products can vary between types of repellents, providing protection between four to eight hours on average, depending on the active ingredient (see label). It is also important to highlight that, in addition to repellents, other alternatives to prevent mosquitoes also include long-sleeved clothing, window screens and mosquito nets”, reinforces the head of the Medicines Control Center.
Ivone also explains that repellents can cause allergies, and the recommendation is to carry out a preliminary test on a small area of ​​the skin before applying them more extensively.

Protection against mosquitoes
Another widely used option is Environmental Repellents, products found in the form of spirals, liquids and tablets for electrical appliances that can also be used to combat mosquitoes. Consumers must pay attention to whether the products are registered with ANVISA, in addition to following the care and precautions described on the labels.

Ivone points out that, according to ANVISA, there is no proof of effectiveness for products with a natural active ingredient, such as, for example, citronella, andiroba and cloves, and products such as candles, room fresheners and incense are not approved by ANVISA and have no proven effectiveness. There are also no oral products, such as pills and vitamins, proven to repel mosquitoes.
Arboviruses
In Natal, until March 23, 2,845 reported cases of arboviruses were recorded, of which 2,250 were probable cases of dengue, of which 951 were confirmed. In the municipality, around 70% of outbreaks are found in residential properties, of which 65% are deposits that could be avoided, such as reusable plastic bottles and containers.

Dengue is a serious disease that can evolve into more serious cases and lead to death, so, in addition to the actions developed by the municipality, residents must reinforce measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in their homes, and be aware of places that can accumulate water, such as plant pots, the back of the refrigerator freezer, check backyards and water tanks, among other precautions.