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Depending on where you
travel insects can either be a nuisance, a health hazard or
both. It is known that the best way to avoid the illnesses
transmitted by mosquitoes, is to avoid being bit by them.
Keeping covered up is the first defense.
There are plenty of options on
the market for repellents, from the all-natural herbal types
to the full strength DEET. It is recommended that when traveling
in areas where insect borne diseases exist that you use a
formula which contains DEET. While it is currently the most
effective repellent available it has also been know to produce
side effects in some persons using it. DEET is absorbed through
the skin and should only be used on areas of exposed skin,
never under clothing or bedcovers. It should not be used in
concentrations higher than 50%. The higher the concentration the longer (not better) it works. Keep it out of your eyes and
be careful what you do with your hands after you apply it
(like rubbing your eyes or licking your finger).
The following are a couple of
resources for getting information about health concerns while
traveling.
Health Information for International
Travel (aka 'the yellow book') is sold by the Government Printing
Office as document 017-023-00197-3. The cost is $20. Phone
orders: 202-512-1800, Fax: 202-512-2250. It is also available
on the web at http://www.cdc.gov.
The World Health Organization
also publishes a yellow book, International Travel and Health:
Vaccination Requirements and Health Advice. It is also available
on the web at http://www.who.ch.
Hard copy can be ordered by Phone: 518-436-9686, Fax: 518-436-7433.
The cost is $15.30 plus postage.
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