Mosquito-borne diseases
Mosquitoes spread several serious diseases worldwide. Which diseases are present depends on where you travel and how high the local risk is. Some diseases can be prevented through vaccination, while others require careful measures to avoid mosquito bites. At VaccinDirekt, you receive travel medical advice tailored to your journey. We help you choose the right vaccinations, medications, and practical protective measures so you can travel safely and with peace of mind.
Common mosquito-borne diseases
Many mosquito-borne diseases cannot be prevented
Mosquitoes are among the world’s most significant disease carriers and can transmit both mild and life-threatening illnesses. Which diseases are relevant depends on your destination, the season, and local conditions. For several serious diseases, effective vaccines or preventive medications are available, but for others, personal mosquito protection is the only solution.
Diseases that can be prevented
For some diseases, effective protection is available through vaccination or preventive medication. Examples include:- Yellow fever – a vaccine that provides long-lasting protection and is sometimes required for entry into certain countries.
- Japanese encephalitis – vaccination is recommended for longer stays in risk areas.
- Malaria – prevented with medication (prophylaxis), not vaccination.
- Dengue and Chikungunya – vaccines are available in some cases but are only recommended under specific circumstances.
Diseases that cannot be prevented
There are also diseases for which no vaccine is currently available. The Zika virus is one example – infection often causes mild symptoms, but for pregnant women, it can pose serious risks to the fetus.To reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin.
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net.
- Wear long sleeves and long trousers, especially in the evenings and at night.
- Use a fan or air conditioning in your room.
Protection & advice at VaccinDirekt
At VaccinDirekt, you receive both travel medical advice and access to products that help prevent mosquito-borne diseases. We have worked with vaccinations and travel protection since 1972 and help you find the right combination of vaccines, medications, and practical protective measures based on your destination.
Products and protection
With us, you can purchase carefully selected insect repellents, including CarePlus (Best in Test), as well as insecticide-treated mosquito nets for added safety. We also provide advice on how to protect yourself through clothing, repellents, and adapting your accommodation.Book advice in good time
For several mosquito-borne diseases, vaccination or preventive medication must be started before departure. Therefore, it is important to book your consultation well in advance, allowing your body time to build adequate protection so you can travel safely.How can I protect myself against tick bites?
It is not possible to completely avoid ticks, but you can reduce the risk of bites and disease by combining vaccination against TBE with simple everyday precautions. The earlier a tick is detected and removed, the lower the risk of disease transmission. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent TBE. If you spend time in risk areas in Sweden or abroad, vaccination is strongly recommended.
How to protect yourself:
- Wear covering clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and socks pulled over trouser legs when in forests and tall grass.
- Check your body thoroughly after being outdoors, especially children behind the ears, on the scalp, and in skin folds.
- Shake out clothes and shower after spending time in nature – ticks can sometimes be washed off before they attach.
- Use insect and tick repellents as extra protection.
- Check your pets’ fur, as they often bring ticks indoors.
Frequently asked questions
