July 1, 2005

Epidemiology Corner - Summer is here, have fun, stay healthy!

Summer is associated with holidays, vacations, travel, outdoor social and recreational events etc. These activities bring with them associated health problems and concerns. Surveillance data at the HDHHS indicate an increase in number of some diseases and conditions at this time of the year.

These illnesses include food borne illnesses like Salmonella infections including, typhoid fever, shigella infection, Campylobacteriosis, E.coli 0157:H7 infection, vibrio infection and hepatitis A. These illnesses are acquired through contaminated food and water via the fecal-oral route. They are also very common with travel especially to less developed parts of the world. So travelers to less developed parts of the world are advised to be very careful of the source of their water and food supply. They should practice and maintain good personnel hygiene, especially good hand washing after using the rest room. If possible, take your bottled water along and also your own food on your journey. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and uncooked seafood (especially if you have an underlying medical condition). Protect your feet with shoes, sandals or flip flops while walking on the beach. For those diseases/ conditions that are vaccine preventable like hepatitis A, typhoid fever, please get vaccinated.

Malaria is another very common disease seen among summer returnees from endemic countries of Africa, Asia and South America. Malaria, especially the one caused by P.falciparium, is associated with high morbidity and potentially fatal in non-immune individuals. You are advised to seek consult with a physician for preventive drugs before traveling to any of these areas. Furthermore, any traveler who develops a fever or other signs of illnesses should consult a physician. Be sure to mention your travel history.

Other health related conditions to be aware at this time are: heat related illnesses (including severe dehydration and heat stroke), drowning and near drowning injuries. Have cold bottled water close by to prevent dehydration, make use of cooling centers if the temperature is unbearable and you are not in a cool environment. Surveillance data indicate that drowning is at its highest during this time of the year. Drowning and near drowning occurs mostly among the pools in apartment complexes, personal bathtubs followed by bayous and oceans. Make sure that children are not left alone while swimming in the pools and no diving in designated or shallow areas.

If you are traveling out of the country this summer it is necessary to call the health department to get latest information on what to do to prevent being sick on your journey or on your return and for other health travel advisories that may be in place. Information on shots and where to get them can also be provided.

Visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel

Epidemiology Corner wishs you a memorable, 2005 summer, free of any hassles!!!

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