For summer travel in southern Europe, choose a mosquito repellent by destination, trip length and pack format — not simply by picking the highest DEET percentage. On 24 July 2026, the World Health Organization reported rising West Nile virus cases in parts of Europe. The risk remains low for most travellers, but preventing mosquito bites is the main practical protection.
For Belgian travellers heading to Italy, Greece, Spain, Romania or North Macedonia, this is a sensible time to check the travel kit. PharmaCompare compared three currently available DEET products and one product intended for comfort after a bite. Prices for identical products vary enough between sellers to make comparison worthwhile.
West Nile virus in Europe: what has changed?
According to WHO/Europe, Greece had recorded 21 confirmed cases by 22 July, while Italy had also recorded 21 cases across 17 areas by 15 July. Locally acquired infections were reported in North Macedonia, Romania and Spain too. The ECDC week 30 report confirms that West Nile virus is among the seasonal threats currently being monitored.
This does not mean every mosquito bite is dangerous or that Belgium is experiencing an outbreak. West Nile virus circulates between birds and mosquitoes and is not spread through ordinary person-to-person contact. Most infections cause no symptoms. Anyone who develops high fever, a rash, marked headache or neck stiffness after visiting an affected area should contact a doctor. Repellent is a consumer product, not a medicine and not a guarantee against infection.
Which DEET concentration suits your trip?
DEET is an insect-repellent active ingredient. Belgium’s travel-health resource Wanda, from the Institute of Tropical Medicine, advises users to follow the instructions carefully and take particular care with children. Do not apply more often than the label permits, avoid eyes, mouth, broken skin and children’s hands, and wash it off when protection is no longer needed.
Choosing between 40% and 50% DEET is mainly about the desired protection period, when it will be applied and what the label allows for the user. A higher percentage never compensates for careless application. Long sleeves and trousers, window screens, mosquito nets and removing standing water are still important complementary measures.
40% DEET in 60 ml: compact for hand luggage
The Care Plus DEET 40% Anti-Insect Spray 60 ml is the compact option in this comparison. It fits more easily into hand luggage or a small day bag. In the checked price data, two retailers listed it between €9.74 and €14.65 — a €4.91 difference for the same product.
This size is most suitable for a short city break or one traveller who already knows how much product they use. Always check current stock, baggage rules and the package instructions before departure.
40% DEET in 200 ml: more product for longer trips
The Care Plus DEET Spray 40% 200 ml has the same stated concentration but more than three times the volume of the small spray. The observed prices ranged from €15.22 to €25.85 at two retailers, a substantial €10.63 difference.
Do not compare only the shelf price. At the lowest observed price, the 200 ml bottle costs about €7.61 per 100 ml, compared with roughly €16.23 per 100 ml for the 60 ml spray. The larger bottle may therefore suit a family, a longer holiday or several summer outings. It is less convenient for hand luggage.
50% DEET lotion in 50 ml: targeted application
The Care Plus DEET Anti-Insect Lotion 50% 50 ml combines the highest stated concentration in this selection with a small lotion format. Two retailers listed it between €9.74 and €15.10, a €5.36 difference.
A lotion can be convenient for targeted application to exposed skin, while a spray distributes quickly across a larger area. That is a usage preference, not proof that one format always protects better. Read the label for age limits, maximum application frequency and use alongside sunscreen. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice during pregnancy, for young children, with skin conditions or whenever you are unsure.
After a mosquito bite: comfort is not prevention
The After Bite Insectenpen Classic is intended for local comfort after an insect bite. It was listed by two retailers at €5.99 to €6.05. With such a small difference, delivery time and shipping costs may matter more than the item price.
This pen does not prevent bites and does not treat West Nile virus. Avoid scratching and follow the instructions. Seek medical help for breathing difficulty, major swelling, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, or the warning signs WHO highlights after travel in an affected area.
A practical five-point comparison
Before buying, consider:
- Destination: check recent travel and health information for the country and region.
- Trip length and users: 60 ml is portable; 200 ml may offer a lower cost per millilitre.
- Format: spray distributes quickly, while lotion allows targeted application.
- User: age, pregnancy and skin sensitivity may affect the choice.
- Complete order: compare stock, shipping cost and delivery time as well as price.
Together, the four products cost €40.69 using the lowest observed prices and €61.65 using the highest. You do not need all four: choose the size and format that match the trip. Prices are snapshots and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Is West Nile virus currently a Belgian outbreak?
The WHO update describes rising case numbers in several European countries but does not report an outbreak in Belgium. For Belgian holidaymakers, the destination matters most. Check current official advice immediately before departure.
Is 50% DEET always better than 40%?
No. Concentration, permitted application frequency, the user’s age and practical pack size should be considered together. Always follow the product label and professional travel-health advice.
Conclusion: match the pack to the trip and compare prices
The current European West Nile context makes mosquito-bite prevention timely, but it does not call for panic buying. A 60 ml spray is compact; 200 ml may be more economical for several users; lotion offers a different application method. Combine a suitable repellent with covering clothing, screens or a mosquito net and the removal of standing water.
Before ordering, compare current prices and availability on PharmaCompare. That helps you pack an appropriate product without paying more than necessary.