It is the end of January and I have a mosquito bite on my arm. At
least I think it is a mosquito bite. Even in Texas it seems strange to have a
mosquito bite in January, but I know it’s possible. You see, today the
temperature here was 81º F. While my family and friends in the north are
freezing their earmuffs off, I am wearing flip-flops and sunscreen. Life just
isn’t fair, is it?
Back to the mosquitoes. I have mentioned some
not-so-desirable creatures you might encounter when traveling in Latin America
(see this post here). But I didn’t mention mosquitoes. We have plenty of
mosquitoes here in the U.S. during the warm months, that is for sure. They are
sometimes like small birds, swarming in Hitchcockian-fashion, making us run inside for cover. And they can cause more than itchy bites. West Nile
has become more of a problem in the U.S. in recent years, not to mention
Eastern equine encephalitis. But mosquitoes abroad are a whole other story, more diverse in what they pass on to their human prey.
I am not really qualified to get into the science of
mosquito-borne illness, but suffice it to say that it is possible to get dengue
fever, yellow fever, and malaria when you travel to certain parts of the world. No matter where you go, be prepared.
Before your travels, go
to a travel clinic and get the proper immunizations and medicine for where you
are going. You should speak to a doctor who specifically practices travel
medicine. These doctors have extensive information on anywhere you wish to
travel and can best advise you on how to stay healthy. They can also give you
prescribed medication that will help with such things as the dreaded traveler’s diarrhea
(which I once mentioned here) or malaria prevention. Some countries also require you to have certain
immunizations to enter, so a travel clinic is the best bet to make sure you
also have the necessary medical documents for your trip.
To avoid these mosquito-borne diseases, an additional option
is to take along mosquito repellant – there are some that are stronger than the
kind you typically buy at the drug store before heading to a barbeque or picnic. There
are also sprays specifically for clothes and sleeping bags. If you do not wish
to use such chemicals, a mosquito net is another way to protect yourself, at
least while you sleep. In regions where mosquitoes are prevalent and air conditioners scarce, many hostels, hotels and guesthouses have mosquito
netting over their beds. But if you plan to stay in more rustic places and you
want that security, netting doesn't take up too much space in your backpack.
Here is a great resource from the Centers for Disease Control to use when you are getting ready to
travel. It even suggests when you should
go to a travel clinic (your immunizations need time to take effect) and lists what you need health-wise for any country in the world: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm
There are other illnesses that do not come from mosquitoes (like typhoid) that
you can also get immunized for before traveling. And more illnesses than the
three I mentioned that come from mosquitoes or other insects. But don’t let this knowledge freak you out. Really. It’s not like Land of the Lost down there where giant bugs pick you up and keep you
captive in their hives (see demonstrative, but fictional clip below). Just be
aware of the punch those little buggers can pack.
