What is a suggested preventive action for mosquito-borne diseases?

Using bug spray to repel mosquitoes is an effective preventive action for mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito repellents typically contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, which can effectively deter mosquitoes from landing on the skin. This is crucial since mosquitoes are vectors for several diseases, including West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria. By applying a suitable repellent, individuals can significantly reduce their chance of being bitten, thereby lowering the risk of disease transmission.

Other suggestions such as using sunscreen or staying indoors have limitations. Sunscreen does not repel mosquitoes, and while staying indoors can decrease exposure to mosquitoes, it is not always practical or effective, especially in outdoor or high-risk areas. Feeding on natural repellents like garlic may have some anecdotal backing, but scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness compared to standard repellents is limited. Therefore, using bug spray remains one of the most reliable and recommended strategies for preventing mosquito bites and the diseases they carry.