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July is almost over but there's is still time for vacations. That's why you need to continue caring of any health risks during travel.
You should remember 🤔 these five things when traveling (even when is not summer).
1.Identify any health risk that might be a concern at your destination🔍🔍
Many international 🌏destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. If you are wondering what measles can do... Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. It typically starts with high fever🤒, cough😮💨, runny nose😪, and red watery eyes. Serious complications include pneumonia🫁 ( an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs with fluid) and encephalitis🧠 (brain inflammation).
2. Identify any destination-specific vaccine or medicines you might need 💉🩹🦠.
Polio is a disease that affects the nervous system. The virus that cause polio can be found in the feces of an infected person; people with the disease can spread the virus to other when they don't wash their hands properly after pooping 💩.
Some people don't feel sick when they have polio. In some cases polio can cause stiffnes in the neck and back; in rare cases can cause permanent loss of muscle function. Polio can be fatal, but the good news there is a vaccine against polio. Consider talking🗣️ with your healthcare provider to learn and schedule your vaccine appointment.
3. Protect yourself from the sun using sunscreen with 🧴SPF 15 or higher, a hat, sunglasses🕶️ and long-sleeved shirts which can protect you from UV ☀️rays.
Most people like a good tan, but consider the health consequences it might have if you don't protect yourself.
4. Stay safe during water activities 🏊🏼♂️🚣🏼🚤⛵️.
If you are adventurous you might want to go on jetski rides, swimming in the lake or at the beach. So definitely consider and learning how to prevent infections that can happen in freshwater lakes and rivers. Such as schistosomiasis and leptospirosis. These diseases are spread by contact with fresh water.
5. Avoid bug bites 🐜🦟🪰
We know that bug bites are no fun! Prepare your travelkit with insect repellent. Insects can transmit malaria, Zika, yellow fever, Lyme disease and others.
Different destinations are at different risk of mosquito 🦟 borne diseases.
Currently an outbreak of malaria in the province of Limon, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica.
Also, Peru 🇵🇪 have reported nearly 200,000 cases of dengue.
In the US, Florida has 7 cases of locally acquired malaria 🦟 (which means if you travel to this state depending on your activities and exposure you are at risk of mosquito bites).
These are key prevention things you can do to have safe travels. Keep your family and yourself protected while having fun.
take care!
Eva I. Gordián Rivera, DrPH, MPH, CPH
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