Don't Let Mosquitoes Give You an Unwanted Souvenir!

Travelers to areas with tropical weather may be at risk for illnesses that spread by mosquito and other insect bites. Take steps to protect yourself and your family and friends.

Use repellent according to directions.

Summer is here and it's time for vacations! Many areas with hot and humid weather (tropical) have mosquitoes and other insects that can spread diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya fever.

Don't bring home these unwanted souvenirs! If you are going to tropical or subtropical regions, follow the health tips below.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

• Use insect repellent on uncovered skin when outside, both during the day and at night.
  • Look for a repellent that contains 10-50% of one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535. Always follow the instructions on the label when you use the repellent.
  • Use separate repellent and sunscreen products. Put on sunscreen before repellent.
  • For information about using repellent on infants and children, see the following links:
    • Traveling Safely with Infants and Children
    • Frequently Asked Questions about Repellent Use
    • American Academy of Pediatrics

  
  The net should be hung over the bed with the ends tucked.

• Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Where possible, stay in hotels or resorts that are well screened or air conditioned and that take measures to reduce the mosquito population. If the hotel is not well screened, sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net to prevent mosquito bites.
• For information about where you can purchase a treated bed net, see:
  • www.travmed.com, phone 1-800-872-8633, fax: 413-584-6656; or
  • www.travelhealthhelp.com, phone 1-888-621-3952
• Clothing, shoes, bed nets, jackets, and other outdoor gear may be sprayed with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent. (Remember: Don't use permethrin on skin.)

Read more information about risks related to dengue fever and chikungunya fever.

If Needed, Take Medicine to Prevent Malaria

Check the health information about your destination to find out if you will be in a malaria risk area. If you are going to an area where there is a malaria risk:

• Be sure to ask your doctor about a prescription for a medicine to prevent malaria. Which medicine you take will depend on your own health history and the place you are traveling.
• Take your medicine on schedule without missing doses. All of these medicines must be taken for a certain amount of time before travel, during travel, and after travel in the malaria risk area.
• Remember, it is still important to prevent mosquito bites, even if you are taking medicine!

Read more information about malaria and travel.  

Remember: It's Not Just the Bugs!

There are other health risks during international travel besides insect bites.

Visit the CDC Travelers' Health website for recommended vaccinations and medications for your travel destination and for basic travel health tips.

Pay Attention to Your Health

If you feel sick during or after your trip, especially with a fever, you should seek medical care right away. If you are back home, make sure to tell the doctor that you have recently traveled. If you travel to a malaria-risk area, watch for symptoms of malaria for up to 1 year after your trip.