Health risks to travelers

Diseases Related to Travel

 * African sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis)
 * AIDS / HIV
 * Altitude illness
 * Amebiasis
 * BSE ("mad cow disease") and nvCJD
 * Campylobacter infections
 * Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)
 * Chickenpox (Varicella)
 * Chikungunya fever
 * Cholera
 * Coccidioidomycosis
 * Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium infection)
 * Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora infection)
 * Dengue fever
 * Diarrhea
 * Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
 * E. coli (Escherichia coli)
 * Encephalitis
 * Filariasis
 * Giardiasis (Giardia infection)
 * Hantavirus
 * Head lice (pediculosis)
 * Hepatitis
 * Histoplasmosis
 * HIV (see AIDS / HIV)
 * Influenza (flu)
 * Japanese encephalitis
 * Legionellosis
 * Leishmaniasis (Leishmania infection)
 * Leptospirosis
 * Lyme disease
 * Malaria
 * Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
 * Meningitis
 * Norovirus infection (Norwalk / Norwalk-like virus infection)
 * Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
 * Plague
 * Poliomyelitis
 * Rabies
 * Rickettsial infections
 * Rotavirus
 * Salmonellosis (Salmonella infection)
 * SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
 * Scabies
 * Schistosomiasis
 * Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
 * Shigellosis (Shigella infection)
 * Smallpox
 * Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcal) Disease
 * Tickborne encephalitis
 * Tuberculosis (TB)
 * Typhoid fever
 * Typhus fevers (see rickettsial infections)
 * Varicella (chickenpox)
 * Vibrio parahaemolyticus
 * Viral hemorrhagic fevers (e.g., Ebola, Lassa, Marburg, Rift valley)
 * West Nile virus
 * Yellow fever

BE PROACTIVE!
Couple looking at computer screen Take steps to anticipate any issues that could arise during your trip. The information in this section will help you plan for a safe and healthy trip.


 * Learn about your destination.
 * See a doctor before you travel.
 * Think about your health status.
 * Are you too sick to travel? (Recent illnesses, injuries, or surgeries)
 * Do you have any special health needs? (Babies and small children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, people with weakened immune systems)

BE PREPARED!
Family walking through airport with luggage

No one wants to think about getting sick or hurt during a trip, but sometimes these things happen. You may not be able to prevent every illness or injury, but you can plan ahead to be able to deal with them.


 * Pack smart.
 * Plan ahead for illnesses or injuries during your trip.
 * Know what to do if you become sick or injured on your trip.
 * Know and share important information about your trip.

BE PROTECTED!
It is important to practice healthy behaviors during your trip and after you return home. This section outlines how you can protect yourself and others from illness during your trip.


 * Pay attention to your health during your trip.
 * Use sunscreen and insect repellent as directed.
 * Be careful about food and water.
 * Hiker applying bug spray
 * Try not to take risks with your health and safety.
 * Limit alcohol intake, and do not drink alcohol and drive.
 * Wear a seatbelt.
 * Wear protective gear when doing adventure activities.
 * Respect your host country and its people by following local laws and customs.


 * Pay attention to your health when you come home.