Recent developments on personal protection methods against vectors

Abstract:
An outline of the role of, and the mechanism used by mosquitoes in transmission of the diseases dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever and West Nile encephalitis is discussed. The history of combative measures such as mass spraying and the importance of personal protection and the various products available to achieve protection is presented. The various formats of traditional personal insect repellents and mosquito coils are discussed along with the advantages/disadvantages of the formats. Identification of the major active ingredients commonly used in these products is presented. New developments such as electrical or battery operated devices, lamps, combination products along with interesting new patents or literature conclude the review of innovations and developments.