PandemicPreparedness

The months of June to September in the Northern Hemisphere usually mean warmer weather and the summer holiday season. Awareness of risk and mitigating actions contribute to a healthy and safe holiday. Most travellers will already be aware of the weather at their destination (the importance of taking sunscreen, hydration, appropriate clothing etc.), and common vaccination requirements, but there are other risks that may not be considered as often prior to or during a trip abroad. Insect bites are a common cause of illness during and after travel, but tattoos, drowning and rabies also pose potential dangers and are less-frequently discussed, even though they can have major impacts during or after travel abroad.

Insects come in many varieties and carry a wide variety of illnesses for which there may or may not be preventative medications, vaccines or treatments.

The main way to prevent illness spread by insects is to avoid contact wherever possible. This can be done by correctly wearing appropriate clothing, using insect repellent which contains sufficient proven repellent, and ensuring accommodation is insect-free. Some effective methods include using air conditioning, knockdown sprays or devices, intact insect nets on windows and doors, and repellent-impregnated bed nets. Bite prevention measures may need to be taken both during the day and at night and can be difficult to maintain.

Tattoos may or may not be planned and even when carried out safely in a well-regulated environment, they can have adverse effects such as allergic reactions to the dye or scarring and even later attempts at removal. Bacterial infections or hepatitis and HIV infections can occur where hygiene standards are poor and sterilised equipment is not used. These infections will require treatment.

To minimise the risk of having an adverse reaction to getting a tattoo, carefully consider the establishment at which you will be tattooed. Also ensure that the person tattooing you is properly trained, and licensed by local authorities where possible, and that they adhere to appropriate infection control precautions. They should use gloves, disinfect the environment, and use correctly sterilised and/or single-use equipment.

Tattoos need care immediately after they have been performed to prevent infection, as the skin has been broken during the process. This includes keeping the area clean and protected from the sun, which may mean avoiding swimming and sunbathing for a period of time and wearing comfortable clothing.

28 July is World Hepatitis Day

Drowning is a risk for swimmers of any ability and can happen in any body of water, including swimming pools, lakes, rivers and the sea. Globally, an estimated 235,600 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years. Risk factors for young children include an underdeveloped ability to assess risk and a lack of swimming and water safety skills. Heatwaves are also a risk factor for drowning.

The World Health Organisation has demonstrated that swimming lessons for all ages, teaching adults basic water safety and rescue skills, and supervised childcare significantly decrease drownings in young children. For older children and adults, controlling access to water hazards such as erecting fencing around pools and covering wells, and the safe choice of water transport, reduce the risk of drowning.

25 July is World Drowning Prevention Day

Rabies is a viral disease most commonly spread by dogs and cats. It has also been documented in several species of semi-domesticated and wild animals such as monkeys, racoons, foxes, mongooses, skunks, coyotes, hyenas, bats and seals. For example, rabies in seals in South Africa gained a lot of attention in 2024, and further infections have been identified in seals in Namibia this year. Also in 2025, rabies has been found in bats in the Isle of Wight (UK). Travellers should determine whether vaccination for rabies is recommended for their destination, and act on that advice before travel as it could help them to avoid out-of-country evacuation during a trip if licked or bitten by an animal. Avoiding bites from animals is of primary importance and, if licked or bitten, urgently seeking for treatment can be life-saving. Every year, people die from a possibly preventable rabies infection after a seemingly innocent interaction with an animal while on holiday.

Preparation and awareness of risk are key to healthy and enjoyable travel. Preparation should be carried out as far in advance as possible to allow time for vaccines to become effective, and to consider itineraries and packing. Awareness of risk during travel can minimise risk to yourself and others, ensuring that everyone returns home with positive memories of a successful trip.