Travelers Warned To Use Repellants As Mosquito-Borne Diseases Pop Up

Grab bug spray because you’re going to need it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning doctors to be on guard for malaria after at least five locally acquired cases were identified in Florida and Texas.

Homegrown malaria isn’t the only concern. European health officials announced an uptick in locally acquired cases of dengue, which is also surging in Central and South America, as well as in many parts of Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

“We also recommend that travelers use mosquito repellent for up to three weeks after returning,” said Dr. Aiman Halai, vector-borne disease expert with Public Health.

The U.S. eliminated malaria in the early 1950s, but the mosquito that can transmit it lives in California.

“We don't have these viruses circulating in Los Angeles County, but we do have the mosquito that is capable of transmitting these viruses. And so we want to reduce the risk of introducing these viruses into our local environment,” Halai said.

It’s also worth wearing insect repellent locally, now that West Nile positive mosquitoes have been found in L.A. County. Climate change and increasing connections worldwide are likely the main drivers of rising disease threats.

Endelea kusoma makala kamili hapa.

LAist: Travelers Warned To Use Repellants As Mosquito-Borne Diseases Pop Up

Travelers Warned To Use Repellants As Mosquito-Borne Diseases Pop Up

Grab bug spray because you’re going to need it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning doctors to be on guard for malaria after at least five locally acquired cases were identified in Florida and Texas.

Homegrown malaria isn’t the only concern. European health officials announced an uptick in locally acquired cases of dengue, which is also surging in Central and South America, as well as in many parts of Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

“We also recommend that travelers use mosquito repellent for up to three weeks after returning,” said Dr. Aiman Halai, vector-borne disease expert with Public Health.

The U.S. eliminated malaria in the early 1950s, but the mosquito that can transmit it lives in California.

“We don't have these viruses circulating in Los Angeles County, but we do have the mosquito that is capable of transmitting these viruses. And so we want to reduce the risk of introducing these viruses into our local environment,” Halai said.

It’s also worth wearing insect repellent locally, now that West Nile positive mosquitoes have been found in L.A. County. Climate change and increasing connections worldwide are likely the main drivers of rising disease threats.

Endelea kusoma makala kamili hapa.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Senior Health Reporter
Jackie Fortier
I cover health in Southern California and the health care industry in the Los Angeles area.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

LAist: Travelers Warned To Use Repellants As Mosquito-Borne Diseases Pop Up

Travelers Warned To Use Repellants As Mosquito-Borne Diseases Pop Up

Grab bug spray because you’re going to need it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning doctors to be on guard for malaria after at least five locally acquired cases were identified in Florida and Texas.

Homegrown malaria isn’t the only concern. European health officials announced an uptick in locally acquired cases of dengue, which is also surging in Central and South America, as well as in many parts of Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

“We also recommend that travelers use mosquito repellent for up to three weeks after returning,” said Dr. Aiman Halai, vector-borne disease expert with Public Health.

The U.S. eliminated malaria in the early 1950s, but the mosquito that can transmit it lives in California.

“We don't have these viruses circulating in Los Angeles County, but we do have the mosquito that is capable of transmitting these viruses. And so we want to reduce the risk of introducing these viruses into our local environment,” Halai said.

It’s also worth wearing insect repellent locally, now that West Nile positive mosquitoes have been found in L.A. County. Climate change and increasing connections worldwide are likely the main drivers of rising disease threats.

Endelea kusoma makala kamili hapa.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Senior Health Reporter
Jackie Fortier
I cover health in Southern California and the health care industry in the Los Angeles area.
Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari
browse all articles
Hapa kwenye Sawyer

Recent mentions

Antimusic: It's Time to Get Outside (And Take These Items With You)
Check out our list of things you might want to take with you on your outdoor adventure.
View post
NY Mag: The Strategist: The 10 Very Best Tents for Camping and Backpacking
Whether you’re car-camping or hitting the John Muir Trail for two weeks with just a backpack for company, there’s an appropriate shelter for that.
View post
Treeline Review: The Presidential Traverse Hiking, Backpacking, and Trail Running Guide
A quintessential northeastern hike with epic views and technical trails.
View post
Backpacker: 8 Items Thru-Hikers Are Ditching Mid-Trek These
These 8 pieces of backpacking gear were deemed unnecessary by long-distance hikers.
View post
National Forest Foundation: Here is What You Need to Know to Stay Safe During Tick Season
Here is what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve during tick season.
View post
Turkeys For Tomorrow: Tick Prevention Guide: How to Prevent Ticks
A primer in the ways that hunters and other outdoorsmen can reduce the odds of contact with ticks.
View post