Which combination of vector-control measures should deployed personnel implement?

• A. Use insect repellent (DEET)
• B. Wear permethrin-treated clothing and use DEET, and minimize standing water
• C. Minimize standing water only
• D. Rely on vaccines

Answer: (B)

Protecting against vectors in the field relies on multiple layers: personal protection on skin and clothing, plus environmental management to cut off breeding sites. The best option combines permethrin-treated clothing with a skin-repellent like DEET and also reduces standing water. Permethrin-treated clothing provides ongoing protection on barriers you wear, even if you don’t reapply continually. DEET adds protection for exposed skin, deterring or incapacitating mosquitoes on contact. Reducing standing water tackles the issue at the source by limiting where mosquitoes breed, lowering the overall biting pressure. Leaving out any one of these elements leaves gaps in protection: DEET alone doesn’t guard clothing, minimizing water alone doesn’t protect exposed skin, and vaccines don’t serve as immediate vector-control measures in field settings.