1)
Use disinfectants (such as iodine tablets) to purify cooking water to
make sure it is safe for use. These can be purchased at camping stores,
health food stores and pharmacies.
2)
Everyone should bring and use a bottle of mouthwash.
3)
Soak fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other foods in salted water for
at least five minutes then rinse with potable water before cooking and/or
eating.
In
addition to the health advice given above, below are some basic health
precautions that should always be taken while traveling in foreign countries
where disease may be a risk:
To
stay healthy, do the following:
1)
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
2)
Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in
cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If
this is not possible, make the water safer by BOTH filtering it through
an "absolute 1-micron or less" filter AND adding iodine tablets
to the filtered water. "Absolute 1-micron filters" are found
in camping/ outdoor supply stores.
3)
Eat only thoroughly cooked foods or fruits and vegetables you have peeled
yourself. Remember the phrase "boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget
it."
4)
If you are visiting an area where there is a risk of malaria, take your
malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed.
(See your doctor for a prescription.)
5)
Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, and
using repellents (applied sparingly at four-hour intervals), and permethrin-impregnated
mosquito nets. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk to
dawn.
6)
To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep your feet clean and
dry, and do not go barefoot.
To Avoid Getting Sick:
1)
Never eat food purchased from street vendors.
2)
Avoid drinking beverages with ice.
3)
Avoid dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
4)
Never share needles with anyone.
5)
Never handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats) to avoid bites
and serious diseases (including rabies and plague).
6)
Avoid swimming in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer.
What You
Need To Bring with You:
1)
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants to wear while outside whenever possible.
This will help prevent illnesses carried by insects (e.g., malaria,
dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and on chocerciasis).
2)
Insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), in 30%-35%
strength for adults and 6%-10% for children. Unless you are staying
in air-conditioned or well-screened housing, purchase a bed net saturated
with the insecticide permethrin. (Bed nets can be purchased at camping
or military supply stores.)
3)
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine.
4)
Iodine tablets and water filters to purify water if bottled water is
not available.
5)
Sun block, sunglasses, and a hat.
6)
Please make sure you have enough of your prescription medications to
last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s).
After You
Return Home:
If
you have visited an area where there is a risk of malaria, continue
taking your malaria medication for four weeks after you leave the area.
If you become ill after your trip, even up to a year after you return,
tell your doctor where you have traveled.
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