In many parts of the world mosquito spread illnesses cause much death and illness. Travelers are susceptible as well. In fact there are 1200 cases of malaria and 13 deaths a year in the United States from travelers who caught malaria.
Mosquito spread illness is passed by a mosquito biting someone who is infected. The mosquito becomes infected and then passes it on to those that they bite in the future. Dengue fever and malaria are the most common illnesses spread that way.
To prevent both illnesses it is recommended to try to avoid mosquito bites. It is suggested that you wear long sleeves and long pants. Also when sleeping one needs either netting for the bed, screened windows, or air conditioning. There are many different mosquito repellants. It is recommended to buy it before you leave and purchase one with the ingredient DEET.
If you are traveling to an area where there is malaria it is recommended to take medication to help prevent it. There are several different medications that can be used. They all need to be purchased before you leave. They are continued while you travel and then continued for a few weeks upon returning home.
As discussed in my last blog it is important to talk to your child's doctor or a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before traveling. The Center for Disease Control has great information on their webiste as well. www.cdc.gov
Lastly, after you return home it is important to remind your child's health care provider of your travel if your child is sick. Things your child may catch abroad are not found in the United States and so they won't be on the forefront of their doctor's mind.
I work in a group home and they have bed bugs... I have been taking precautions to not take them home with me and to my 5 month old and 3 year old. I recently noticed that I have been getting bit. I am seeing that my daughter (the 5 month old) is getting bumps around her neck underams and arms crease. How do I know if it is heat rash or possibly bites? Oh and her underarms have skin flaking from on top of the bumbs.
ReplyDeleteIf you have bites then likely others at home do as well. Bed bug bites tend to appear first thing in the morning and are on exposed parts of the body. They are itchy and sometimes are in a line. They are less likely in folds of the body since they are not exposed. I would suggest having your child see her doctor since it is hard to diagnose a rash without looking at it.
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