How to Avoid World's Worst Travel Diseases

Knowing the drill will help prevent a ruined vacation ... or worse
By Victoria Floethe,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 17, 2008 3:13 PM CST
How to Avoid World's Worst Travel Diseases
This one hits close to home, since infected ticks are found in the northeastern, north central, and Pacific coastal regions of North America. Use repellents and check for ticks each day.   (Shutterstock)

Experiencing the local flavor sometimes comes at a cost—violent illness. Travel + Leisure lists ways to avoid the world's most unwelcome travel surprises:

  • Malaria: To avoid this dangerous parasite take prophylaxis before traveling—usually mefloquine or chloroquine; and wear long sleeves and a repellent containing DEET.
  • Giardiasis: A menace in the city or wilderness, stick to bottled or boiled water and be wary of uncooked vegetables.

  • Hepatitis: Hepatitis A vaccine and immune globulin are very effective, so it’s a good idea to be up-to-date on shots.
  • Montezuma's revenge: Stick to bottled or boiled drinks and avoid raw foods. Pepto-Bismol can also help as a preventive measure.
  • Yellow fever: Vaccine is effective and relatively safe; otherwise, avoid mosquito bites.
  • Dengue: To avoid sever flu-like symptoms, all you can do is not get bit.
For how to avoid other nasty bugs, click the link below.
(More malaria stories.)

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