Remember it only takes one bite to catch and mosquito borne disease.

There are approximately 3000 different types of mosquitoes and 150 different types in North America. The Aedes mosquito and the Culex mosquito tend to carry the worst of the diseases.

Guess what! Both exist in North America. But are more prolific in other countries that do not have the mosquito control measures that we have here. With the increase in natural disasters and climate warming you can bet there will be increasing numbers of mosquito borne diseases.

A few of the diseases you can be protected against are:

Yellow Fever A single Vaccine will protect you for 10 years may be required by many countries prior to entry. Aedes aegypti is the type of mosquito that usually carries yellow fever from human to human. The incubation period (time from infection to illness) is usually 3-6 days. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Case-fatality rates from severe disease range from 15% to more than 50%.

Japanese Encephalitis A series of 3. This vaccine will give you 3 years protection with annual boosters. Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is a flavivirus, and is widespread throughout Asia. Worldwide, it is the most important cause of arboviral encephalitis with over 45,000 cases reported annually.

Malaria –there is not a vaccine to protect you against malaria. Medication can be taken during your stay in an affected area. You must visit a travel medical clinic to determine which medication is effective for the area you will be staying.

The only protection against the following diseases is by using Deet and Permethrin and wearing protective coverings.

· Chikungunya

· Eastern Equine Encephalitis

· LaCrosse Encephalitis

· Saint Louis Encephalitis

· West Nile Encephalitis

· Western Equine Encephalitis

· Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis

· Dengue

If you are traveling to an area where there may be a concern Asia, Africa, South America and even Central America. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment to make sure you are adequately protected.

Info obtained: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/mosqpics.htm; http://www.canistotasd.com/Webpages/City/Council/MosquitoQuestions.htm

Mosquitoes? Diseases?

A Passport Health of Tampa Bay "Health & Travel Tips" Newsletter Article, June 2008