Select the Right Product for Zika Prevention

In some markets, we may encounter products such as bracelets, patches, mosquito repellent patches, mosquito-proof bags, mosquito-catching lights, magic mosquito swatters... purportedly originating from abroad and claimed to prevent the Zika virus. However, these claims have not been verified.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has issued a document requesting the Department of Industry and Trade to coordinate in inspecting the business activities of mosquito repellent products. The conclusion is that the advertisements for such products are not truthful. According to the Department, there are no other methods to prevent Zika virus outbreaks as advertised in the market. Therefore, the products widely sold in the market can only repel mosquitoes, not prevent, combat, or kill them. We also cannot ascertain the origin or source of these products, whether they have been approved by the Ministry of Health, or if they affect health.

As of now, there has been no scientific research evaluating the effectiveness of using bracelets or ankle bands in repelling mosquitoes. Furthermore, mosquito repellent products priced between a few thousand to tens of thousands of VND sold indiscriminately on the market should not be used.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Truong Sy Niem, Deputy Head of the Epidemiology Department (Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology): “The more a product scares or kills insects quickly, the higher the concentration of its components, indicating strong effectiveness. Thus, not only insects die, but humans are also affected, especially children.”

It is important to note that there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika, and the best way to prevent and combat this virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Local areas should implement broad disease prevention measures in the community, advise people not to enter epidemic areas, strengthen the strict control of incoming cases at border gates and airports, and promptly inspect, test, and isolate suspected cases. In the community, residents should intensify mosquito and larvae eradication activities in residential areas using various methods as guided by the health authorities.

When purchasing and using any product, consumers should rely on labels and certifications from competent authorities printed on the packaging, avoiding ambiguous products regarding origin and usage instructions.

Health experts also caution that using mosquito repellent and killer products at home requires extreme care and caution. These products often contain chemicals such as Tetramethrin, D-Phenothrin, and Pemethrin, which are insecticides and can also affect humans. These substances impact the nervous system, causing symptoms such as itching, numbness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even seizures and high blood pressure. The endocrine system can also be affected if exposed to these chemicals, particularly the reproductive endocrine system with manifestations such as early puberty, infertility, reduced fertility, and increased cancer risk, including breast cancer.

Any product related to mosquito and insect control must undergo efficacy and safety evaluation trials in laboratories or in the field as per the procedures issued by the Ministry of Health. For example, the following procedures:

- The procedure for testing ultra-low volume spray mosquito control chemicals specified in Circular 20/2015/TT-BYT dated July 27, 2015, of the Ministry of Health.- The procedure for testing electronic mosquito-repellent chemical sheets specified in Circular 21/2015/TT-BYT dated July 27, 2015, of the Ministry of Health.- The procedure for testing mosquito-repellent creams specified in Circular 22/2015/TT-BYT dated July 27, 2015, of the Ministry of Health.

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