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Insect Problems Travelers frequently encounter insect borne diseases like malaria, dengue and tickborne encephalitis. Even though these diseases are not usually seen in the United States, West Nile Virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, can be a problem here. With the frequent rains we have had recently, the population of mosquitoes and other insects has increased dramatically. You can decrease your risk of insect related diseases by utilizing these preventive measures: Use an insect repellent on exposed skin to repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other arthropods. EPA-registered repellents include products containing DEET (N, N-diethylmetatoluamide) and picaridin (KBR 3023). DEET concentrations of 30% to 50% are effective for several hours. DEET formulations as high as 50% are recommended for both adults and children over 2 months of age. Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit. When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then repellent. Repellent should be washed off at the end of the day before going to bed. Wear long-sleeved shirts, which should be tucked in, long pants, and hats to cover exposed skin. When you visit areas with ticks and fleas, wear boots, not sandals, and tuck pants into socks. Inspect your body and clothing for ticks during outdoor activity and at the end of the day. Wear light-colored or white clothing so ticks can be more easily seen. Removing ticks right away can prevent some infections. Apply permethrin-containing (e.g., Permanone) or other insect repellents to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and other gear for greater protection. Permethrin is not labeled for use directly on skin. Most repellent is generally removed from clothing and gear by a single washing, but permethrin-treated clothing is effective for up to 5 washings. Be aware that mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active during twilight periods (dawn and dusk or in the evening). The greatest risk of mosquito bites occurs between 5 PM and 7 PM. Daytime biters include mosquitoes that transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses and sand flies that transmit leishmaniasis. China - The pneumonia, now know as severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, has become the focus of a worldwide health emergency. Anyone traveling to mainland China; Hong Kong; Hanoi; Vietnam; or Singapore should consider postponing the trip. Middle East - The U.S. encourages Americans to listen to travel warnings noting Authorized Departure status and urging Americans to depart from the affected countries in the war. Colombia - Citizens of the U.S. and other countries have been targets of kidnapping, airline hijackings and murders. To find out all travel alerts go to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as other public agencies have set up guidelines and health information for the international traveler.
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