Rospotrebnadzor (Rospotrebnadzor) has reminded tourists of the risks associated with vacationing in tropical countries. A corresponding message has been published on the agency's website.
“In the countries of Eurasia, Africa, South America, Oceania with an equatorial-tropical climate, they are widespread "Infectious and parasitic diseases, many of which are not common or have become rare in the Russian Federation. The warm, humid climate promotes the long-term survival of microorganisms in the environment and the active reproduction of insects and helminths," the text states.
It also notes that infectious and parasitic diseases are most often transmitted through water, contaminated and under-processed food, blood-sucking insects (mosquitoes, fleas, horseflies, midges, ticks, and others), contact with a sick person or contaminated environmental object, and sexual intercourse.
Tropical infections are often accompanied by damage to the intestines, skin, eyes, and various human systems and organs; they are often severe and difficult to treat.
In addition, countries with hot climates have many poisonous plants and animals that can cause significant and irreparable harm to human health.
It is important to have in advanceCheck with your local Rospotrebnadzor office and tour operators for information about the epidemiological situation in your planned country of stay, and when concluding an agreement with a legal entity providing tourism services, check for the availability of medical insurance.
During your vacation, you should take the following precautions to prevent infection and subsequent development of the disease:
In nutrition and water use:
- eat only food whose quality you are confident in;
- Drink only guaranteed safe water and beverages (drinking water and beverages in factory packaging, boiled water); do not consume ice made from raw water;
- meat, fish, and seafood must be heat treated;
- It is advisable not to try unfamiliar foods, not to buy food at markets and stalls, and not to try treats prepared by local residents;
- if necessary, purchase products in factory packaging in specialized stores;
- remember that meat and fish products (for example, open canned goods, products with broken packaging, etc.) should not be stored outside the refrigerator;
- Wash vegetables and fruits with safe water and scald with boiling water.
Compliance with the rules of personal and public hygiene:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating;
- When swimming in ponds and pools, do not allow water to enter your mouth;
- Do not swim in stagnant or slowly flowing bodies of water, and do not use water from such bodies of water for various household needs;
- Avoid contact with animals (wild and domestic); remember that an animal that comes to a person is probably sick;
- Do not take or wear other people’s clothes, combs, shoes; do not try on things of local residents;
- If you come into contact with a person showing signs of any illness, immediately notify a doctor.
To protect against insect bites, it is recommended Use insect repellents and insecticides and adhere to the following rules:
- in the evening and at night, as well as when in forests and areas with high vegetation, wear long trousers and high socks, and clothing with long sleeves;
- Indoors, it is essential to screen windows and doors;
- If insects are found in the room, the walls and ceiling should be treated with an insecticidal aerosol or an electric fumigator should be used;
- If you notice tick bites, traces of blood-sucking insect bites, rashes, or any other skin manifestations, consult a doctor immediately.
When traveling to countries where yellow fever is common, you must be vaccinated against this infection at a specialized institution and obtain an international vaccination certificate.
When traveling to countries where malaria is common, you should consult your doctor about preventative medications and how to use them.
Due to the registration of infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, tetanus, viral hepatitis, and meningococcal infection in foreign countries, it is recommended to get preventive vaccinations against these infections.
"If you experience any signs of an infectious disease (fever, loose stools, rash, pain (in the abdomen, throat, etc.)), you should seek medical attention. If you develop any illness within three years of your return, tell your doctor when seeking medical attention that you were in the tropics," Rospotrebnadzor emphasized.
Source: trn-news.ru