FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

World Mosquito Day

by Mary Gallagher, RN, MSN, CCRN

Jul 19, 2016
2016

World Mosquito Day, observed every Aug. 20, commemorates Sir Donald Ross, the British medical researcher who discovered the mechanism of malaria transmission. His discovery laid the foundations for scientists around the world to better understand the deadly role of mosquitoes in disease transmission and to come up with effective, innovative interventions. Sir Ross received the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his work on malaria in 1902. Our understanding of the mosquito vector and its role in transmitting malaria and yellow fever — and now, of global importance, dengue, chikungunya and Zika — transformed our world. About 1,500 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year, the vast majority of the cases in travelers and immigrants returning from parts of the world where malaria transmission occurs, including sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The World Health Organization estimates 214 million clinical cases of malaria occurred globally in 2015 and 438,000 people died of malaria, most of them children in Africa. Prevention is essential, and attempts at producing an effective vaccine and clinical trials are ongoing. Yellow fever is preventable by a relatively safe, effective vaccine. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people older than 9 months traveling to or living in areas with yellow fever virus transmission in South America or Africa. Some countries require visitors to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. Contraindications to receiving this vaccine include infants younger than 6 months; people with a history of acute hypersensitivity reaction to any component in the vaccine such as eggs, egg products, chicken proteins or gelatin; and those with altered immune status, HIV or AIDS. Dengue fever is prevalent in at least 100 countries in Asia, the Pacific, the Americas, Africa and the Caribbean. The WHO estimates 50 to 100 million dengue infections occur yearly, including 500,000 dengue hemorrhagic fever cases and 22,000 deaths, mostly in children. Nearly all dengue cases reported in the 48 contiguous United States were acquired elsewhere by travelers or immigrants. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Outbreaks of chikungunya virus occurred in parts of Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and the islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans. It was found in the Americas in 2013 and spread to the Caribbean and South, Central and North America. No vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat infection is available. The mosquitoes that spread chikungunya bite aggressively during the day. Pregnant women should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites while traveling, as Zika infection in a pregnant woman is linked to serious birth defects and miscarriage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend pregnant women not travel to areas with Zika outbreaks. There is no vaccine or medicine, and it can be passed from an infected man during unprotected sex. This is preventable by using condoms the right way every time during all types of sex. To date there is no evidence of transmission from a woman during sex. Reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bites. Use EPA-registered insect repellent that contain at least 20 percent DEET for protection against mosquitoes. Use Picaridin or products that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD). The effectiveness of insect repellents not registered with the EPA, including some natural repellents, is not known. When using repellent, follow the package instructions and reapply as directed. In general, higher percentages of the active ingredient provide longer-lasting protection. However, this increase in protection time maximizes at about 50 percent DEET. If you are also using sunscreen, apply it first, let it dry, then apply repellent. Do not use products containing both sunscreen and repellent. Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing. Consider using clothing and gear treated with permethrin, an insecticide. Buy pre-treated clothes or treat your own clothes, following instructions carefully. Do not use permethrin directly on skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and a hat. Tuck your shirt into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks for maximum protection. Choose accommodations that are air-conditioned or have good window and door screens. If mosquitoes can get into your sleeping area, sleep under a permethrin-treated bed net that can be tucked under the mattress. When outdoors, use area repellents such as mosquito coils containing metofluthrin or allethrin. Do not use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children younger than 3 years. Children should not touch repellent. Adults should apply it to their own hands and gently spread it over the child’s exposed skin. Do not apply repellent to children’s hands because they tend to put their hands in their mouths. Keep repellent out of the reach of children. Protect babies younger than 2 months by draping mosquito netting over their carrier or car seat; netting should have an elastic edge for a tight fit. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Cruises
May 17, 2025

Viking Takes Delivery of Newest River Ship in Europe

Officially delivered March 18, Viking’s newest Longship Viking Nerthus was presented at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock Warneműnde, Germany. Accommodating up to 168 guests, Viking Nerthus spans 84 staterooms, all featuring Viking’s signature Scandinavian design.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
May 16, 2025

New Kosovo Philharmonic Opera, Ballet and Theatre Hall to Open This Year

A new opera and ballet theater in Kosovo will house four performance halls and a new public plaza in the capital city of Prishtina. As the first opera house in the Republic of Kosovo, the theater symbolizes the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage while reflecting a new identity for Prishtina, rooted in creativity and a commitment to the country’s artistic growth.

Daily
May 16, 2025

Inkaterra Hotels Make a Peru Trip Unforgettable

Looking to plan the ultimate trip to Peru, but not sure where to start? Inkaterra is here to help. With properties in multiple cities throughout the country and various immersive itineraries, Inkaterra makes it easy for your dream trip to Peru to come to life.

Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination

Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.

Daily
May 16, 2025

“Le Commandant Charcot” Will Complete Full Antarctica Circumnavigation in 2028

PONANT EXPLORATIONS will soon achieve a new world first when its Le Commandant Charcot will embark on a full circumnavigation of Antarctica, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, from January to March 2028. This polar expedition unlike any before will journey nearly 11,200 miles of remote, uncharted coastline of the White Continent.

eFlyer Reviews
May 14, 2025

Hotel Van Zandt Review

One step onto Austin’s Rainey Street and you’ll feel like you’ve joined the cool kids at the best playground in the city. Just behind the cottage bars, pint-sized skyscrapers soar. One of them, Hotel Van Zandt, the Rainey district's pièce de resistance, beckons with a song-like spirit —apropos because the independently owned property, rife with music motifs, was named after beloved singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Sixteen stories high, the hotel embodies Austin’s lust for music, manifesting with a vinyl corner; trumpet chandeliers; myriad musical references; replica vintage posters in frames; and its own live music venue, which doubles as its acclaimed restaurant, Geraldine’s. Don’t miss the mesmerizing installation of colorful origami-like birds composed from vinyl records that flitter from an old phonograph.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

eFlyer News
May 14, 2025

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Enters European River Cruise Market with 2026 Itineraries

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions recently announced its inaugural European river cruises, with bookings open for its 2026 sailings on May 20. Travelers can choose from two options, each focusing on different destinations and activities.