Minimisation of exposure to mosquitoes
Stringent measures to prevent mosquito contact reduce the risk of contracting malaria by ten fold.
They include:

• Mosquito nets preferably impregnated with permethrin-emulsifiable concentrate. Permethrin is an insecticide but not a repellent; is safe, colourless, odourless; is stable; adheres well to fabric; survives 5-10 washing's in hot or cold water; but is not recommended for skin application.
• Avoidance of night time outside activities.
• Avoid dark coloured clothing as it attracts mosquitoes as do perfume, cologne & after-shave.
• Clothing to cover arms and legs in the evenings. NB. It is common for mosquitoes to attack leg/ankle region.
• Use of an insecticide aerosol in the room to kill mosquitoes before retiring. (Knock Down sprays)
• Use of mosquito coils or vaporising mat containing a pyrethrin.
• Use of mosquito repellents. The most effective mosquito repellent is (DEET). "Rid" or "Muskol" are commercial preparations containing DEET. Roll-on preparations are recommended as spray cans may explode in luggage compartments. It is effective for 3 to 4 hours when applied to clothing or skin. It needs to be spread evenly and completely over all exposed skin. Untreated travellers in proximity to treated ones are more apt to be bitten.
• DEET is absorbed through the skin. Preparations containing less than 50% DEET are almost free of side effects when applied to the skin of adults. In children the repeated,  extensive inappropriate application of as low as 20% DEET has lead to staggers, agitation, tremors, slurred speech, convulsions and death.
• DEET repellents should be kept well away from plastics, including cameras, as it will dissolve them.
• In addition MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) can provide a large range of travel equipment including impregnated mosquito nets, wrist and ankle insect repellent bands (mosi-guards). These products can be obtained through some chemists or by mail : MASTA PO Box 168, Dee Why, NSW 2099 Tel:(02) 971 1499 or Fax (02) 971 0239. TMVC and some camping stores can also supply these products. TMVC website www.tmvc.com.au ; also Travel Clinics, Australia www.travelclinic.com.au/products.htm