Sterling International Inc. proposes to develop a light-weight, portable, water-proof Personal Insect Repellent Device, impregnated with a repellent(s) and/or insecticide(s) vapor, that can be attached to a solider, or an individual soldier's uniform, to provide long-lasting, passive, whole-body, spatial protection against bites from insect disease vectors (e.g. sand flies and mosquitoes) and other biting arthropods (e.g. ticks) for at least 1 month of continuous use. In Phase I, we will develop a detailed plan and proof-of-concept study (to include technical feasibility and product evaluation) for the "Personal Insect Repellent Device". Phase I/Phase I Option deliverables will integrate a chemical(s) with an innovative design to develop a prototype product that has the potential to meet the broad needs discussed above. We will determine the feasibility of the concept by conducting initial field evaluations of the devices for their efficacy to repel vectors.
Keywords: Spatial Repellent, Insecticide, Wearable Device, Passive Protection, Biting Flies, Sand Flies, Mosquitoes.
