Parasitic diseases

Parasitic infections are acquired by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, through direct contact with soil or water containing parasites or their larva, or by contact with biting insects. Symptoms and evidence of infection may include, but are not limited to fever, swollen lymph nodes, rashes or itchy skin, digestive problems such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, eye problems, and anemia.

Risk: There are many types of parasites and infection may occur in several ways: by eating undercooked meats infected with parasites or their larva; by eating food or drinking water contaminated with parasites or their eggs; by contact with soil or water infected with parasites; or through insect bites. Several types of parasites can penetrate intact skin and travelers are advised to wear shoes and avoid swimming, wading, or washing in fresh water.

Prevention: Travelers should eat only thoroughly cooked food, drink safe water, wear shoes, refrain from swimming in fresh water, and avoid contact with insects, particularly mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, and midges.

Diseases