Mosquito-borne illnesses can really bug vacationers
Take precautions before you leave on your trip — and don’t drink the water!
Heading to Quebec City? You likely can just hop on a plane or train without a second thought. But for other destinations, you put your health at risk by travelling without taking precautions against infection, especially from mosquitoes.
There are mosquito-borne diseases in many parts of Asia, Africa, South America. Now the Caribbean is affected, thanks to the Chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.
For my own recent trip to India, I learned the following tips from travel physicians and other cautious travellers: Ask whether your bed will have a mosquito net: It’s a smart precaution in those areas plagued by mosquito-borne illnesses, as sprays and creams can rub off in the night. Apply protection in the correct order: You’ll want to put on sunblock first, then apply mosquito repellent. Do it in reverse order and you’ll cut down significantly on the amount of protection you get from those bloodsuckers. Go with DEET and choose a repellent that releases over time: Though some try to avoid this potent chemical, it’s the only scientifically proven method — or so say the doctors I’ve consulted — of keeping away mosquitoes. You’ll find a better selection of these types of repellents in outdoor gear stores. I’m a fan of creams as you can be more precise in how and where you apply them. Keep a record of your vaccinations: Certain medicines can interact badly with one another, and it’s possible you may already be vaccinated against diseases that are prevalent in the country you’ll be visiting. So be sure to keep your own record of the vaccinations you’re given so you can be an informed participant. Be careful with items that unsanitary water may have touched: Most travellers realize that they shouldn’t drink the water in many areas. But they often forget that vegetables and fruits often will be washed before being served. Avoid salads in those countries where travellers can’t drink the water, and eat only cooked vegetables and fruits you peel yourself. Consider evacuation insurance: In countries that have substandard medical facilities, consider buying a policy that will cover evacuation. Such websites as SquareMouth.com, InsureMyTrip.com and Quoteright.com allow users to compare policies from a number of wellestablished travel insurance companies. Pauline Frommer is the creator of the Pauline Frommer’s Travel Guides series. Find Pauline’s books online at frommers.com/pauline.