The Ultimate Trip Guide; Tips On How To Have A Healthy And Safe Vacation

Prevention Of Insect And Animal Bites

Insect and animal bites can lead to many infectious diseases including the Zika virus, the Ebola virus, bird flu, malaria, rabies, and parasitic infections. There are six simple ways to prevent insect and animal bites: covering up, using insect repellent, not touching stray animals, considering your accommodations, sleeping under a bed net, and applying permethrin insecticide for greater protection. Covering up includes wearing a hat, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants (when appropriate), and loose-fitting clothing you can tuck into your pants and shoes, while also wearing shoes or boots as opposed to sandals, when necessary.

In atick-infested area, you can tape your pant cuffs or tuck them into your socks or shoes. Also, do not walk barefoot onwet sand or grass as you are susceptible to contracting hookworms or other parasites. Use insect repellent on exposed skin when necessary, especially repellent containing DEET or picaridin, which are the most effective, and follow the instructions on the bottle. Also, reapply repellent often when visiting countries known to have insect or mosquito-based diseases.