Guidelines for International Travel Health and Illness Prevention

Up to two-thirds of international travelers become ill, with food and water-borne diseases the most common cause. These diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, found throughout the world and are usually spread by contaminated food or water. Infections with these organisms may cause diarrhea (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera and parasites), fever (typhoid fever, amebiasis, toxoplasmosis) or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

Fever is associated with as many as one-quarter of travel-related illnesses. The most important cause of febrile illness in travelers to the tropics is malaria. Malaria can be fatal, but is preventable. Prevent this deadly disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription anti-malarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites (see below). Yellow fever is another preventable serious illness, carried by mosquitoes. A certificate of vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries..

To stay healthy while traveling, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-base hand sanitizer, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.

We advise consulting your physician or travel medicine specialist at least four weeks prior to your planned departure. Trouble-free travel requires advanced planning and time is required for vaccinations to take effect.