Mosquito-borne Diseases Archives | HealthSmartVaccines

Nov 29

What are the High-Risk Areas for Contracting Yellow Fever?

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Before you take off on an overseas vacation, it’s important to make sure you’re informed about any potential health or safety hazards you may face during your visit. For example, if you’ve recently booked a tropical getaway, you may need to take precautions to protect yourself against yellow fever. Today, Chantilly, Virginia’s top travel clinic, HealthSmartVaccines, will explain what you need to know about this dangerous disease.

Yellow fever, which is a mosquito-borne illness, is prevalent in tropical and subtropical zones of South America and Africa. Still, an estimated nine in 10 reported cases of the disease occur in Africa, where it is endemic in 34 countries, including Uganda, Angola, and Ghana. Meanwhile, it’s endemic in 13 South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. While there have been no reports of yellow fever in Asia, mosquitoes that could carry the disease do exist there.

More than half the people who contract yellow fever will die from it. Since this disease has no known cure, doctors recommend the yellow fever vaccination as the most effective and responsible mode of prevention. It’s safe, affordable, and provides lifelong immunity against the disease. If you’re heading to South America, Africa, or even Asia, obtain your yellow fever vaccination beforehand, just in case. That way, you can enjoy a fun, stress-free, and healthy vacation.

To ensure you stay safe on your next trip, make sure you’re up to date on all your travel vaccinations. For more information about staying protected, call the experts from HealthSmartVaccines today at (703) 961-0733.

Jul 29

What Is Yellow Fever? HealthSmartVaccines Explains

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

When you’re traveling abroad, especially to tropical climates like Africa and South America, protection against infectious diseases like yellow fever is vital. Fortunately, Chantilly, Virginia-based HealthSmartVaccines has you covered with a yellow fever vaccination. This CDC-approved yellow fever center shares expert advice on guarding yourself against this potentially fatal disease.

What Is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is viral infectious disease transmitted from infected mosquitoes to humans. Yellow fever gets its “yellow” nickname from causing hepatitis and jaundice. Vaccines are the best defense against yellow fever.

Where Did Yellow Fever Originate?

The history of yellow fever can be traced back to 17th-century Africa. It spread to the Americas from ship to shore, where outbreaks continued to occur until the first vaccination was developed in the 1930s.

Which Areas Are High Risk For Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is found primarily in the tropical climates of Africa and South America.The vast majority of people infected with yellow fever in these areas are not vaccinated, which underscores the importance of receiving vaccines before you travel.

How Does Yellow Fever Spread?

Yellow fever is a virus that’s transmitted from infected mosquitoes to humans. Travelers can effectively prevent contracting yellow fever with a vaccination.

What Are The Symptoms Of Yellow Fever?

Early symptoms are flu-like and therefore hard to attribute to yellow fever. However, as the disease progresses, more serious symptoms develop, including abdominal pain, jaundice, bleeding problems, kidney failure, and seizures.

Can Yellow Fever Be Prevented?

In most cases, yes. Yellow fever can be prevented with vaccines. This provides immunity for a decade or more after a single dose, with a booster vaccination recommended every 10 years.

If a trip to Africa or South America is in your plans, protect yourself with a travel vaccination. Visit the HealthSmartVaccines.com for a full list of services, then call (703) 961-0733 to make an appointment today.

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May 31

What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus From Chantilly’s Vaccination Experts

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Getting a mosquito bite while you’re relaxing on a beach can be more than just annoying—it can be dangerous. Scientists are now connecting the Zika virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, with rises in a serious birth defect and a rare autoimmune disorder. At HealthSmartVaccines, the healthcare professionals are committed to keeping travelers protected against mosquito-transmitted diseases in Africa, South America, and Central America.

zika

For nearly 10 years, HealthSmartVaccines has been the leading provider of vaccinations for adults age 18 and older in the Chantilly, Virginia, area. A CDC-approved Yellow Fever Center, the healthcare providers at HealthSmartVaccines offer four essential facts you need to know about the Zika virus:

The Virus Is Spread By Mosquito Bites And By Sex: The Zika virus is most commonly spread when a mosquito bites a person with an infection and then bites others. However, the first case of locally acquired Zika in the United States was passed when an individual had sex with a partner who had recently contracted the mosquito-borne virus while in Venezuela.
The Symptoms Are Mild: About 80% of people who become infected don’t experience any symptoms. People who do exhibit symptoms notice fever and rash, muscle and joint pain, headaches, pain behind the eyes, and conjunctivitis. Symptoms last anywhere from two to seven days. Although no treatment is available, the fever and pain can be managed by over-the-counter medications.
It Is Linked to Serious Conditions: Although only one in five people will get sick from a Zika infection, the virus is linked to other serious conditions. Following an infection in adults, there are higher rates of Guillain-Barré syndrome, and in pregnant women, the virus can cause birth defects, including microcephaly.
You Can Protect Yourself: Because there is no vaccine, the experts at HealthSmartVaccines recommend avoiding travel to areas with active infestation. If you must travel to a country where Zika is present, the healthcare professionals recommend using an EPA-approved repellent, wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts, and sleeping in screened rooms. Pregnant women should not travel to countries where Zika is active.

Because unborn babies are most at risk from Zika virus complications, scientists are working to develop a vaccine for women of reproductive age to prevent birth defects. HealthSmartVaccines offers other travel related immunizations such a typhoid (oral and injected), hepatitis A and B in a single shot given three times over 6 months, polio, and yellow fever among others. We also provide advise on protecting yourself against mosquito bites, how to to chose the best travel insurance plan for your trip and other services.

The most important things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika, malaria, and yellow fever, are to be aware of the risks in countries you’re traveling to, avoid high-risk areas, stock up on insect repellent supplies, and stay up to date with your vaccines.

For more information about the Zika virus, yellow fever, and malaria prevention, visit the HealthSmartVaccines website, or call the clinic at (703) 961-0733.

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Jan 22

4 Malaria Prevention Tips From HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, VA

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, VA, has been committed to keeping their community vaccinated and well informed since 1992. Over the last 23 years, HealthSmartVaccines has helped thousands of patients with vaccinations, immunizations, and flu shots & clinics. They are also a leading source for educating travelers on malaria prevention. Here are four tips from the expert team at HealthSmartVaccines for preventing malaria:

Awareness: Malaria is a severe infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Many travelers are infected every year, but most cases are preventable. The very first step is awareness. Before you embark on an exciting international journey, do your research and find out if there is any risk of contracting malaria while you visit.

Avoidance: If you have determined your destination is a high-risk area for malaria, stock up on supplies. Buy plenty of insect repellent that contains at least 20% DEET. Invest in sleep netting so you’re protected overnight, and pack clothes that will protect your skin from exposure. Shorts and tank tops might seem weather appropriate, but long pants and long sleeves will offer much better protection.

Vaccines: There are various antimalarial drugs and vaccines on the market. The right vaccine for you depends on the country you’ll be visiting and your personal concerns with the frequency of dosing and potential side effects. It’s best to consult with HealthSmartVaccines to find what’s right for your needs.
Post-travel Check: Upon your return, be aware of any malaria symptoms. If you’re experiencing fever, respiratory illness, rash, or diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider right away and inform them of your recent travels.

If you live near Chantilly, Virginia and you’re looking for travel vaccines, call HealthSmartVaccines today at (703) 961-0733.

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Dec 11

Malaria Prevention

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, just as Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever are, and it is considered one of the most severe infectious diseases that travelers could encounter. Likely, most cases of Malaria are preventable! The best methods of prevention are awareness of risk, avoidance of mosquito bits, and chemoprophylaxis (antimalarial medication).

Awareness: Research the area that you will be visiting and determine if there is a risk of contracting malaria. This can be done by visiting the CDCs website or by calling a travel health clinic.

Avoidance: Once you determine that malaria is present in the country you are traveling to then it is time to do some shopping. The best methods of prevention are insect repellents.

– Wear protective clothing (Make sure you cover as must body surface area as possible to reduce exposed skin.)

– Apply insect repellents as directed by the manufacturer (The best insect repellent is one that contains 20%-50% DEET. Other active ingredients that are recommended are Picaridin and Lemon Eucalyptus.).

– Sleep in areas protected by screens and netting. Netting impregnated with a residual insecticide provide the best protection.

Chemoprophylaxis: There are many options when it comes to antimalarial drugs, determining which one will work best for you is dependent on two things: what country you are visiting and your concern with frequency of dosing and potential side effects. The best way to determine what will work best for you is by contacting a travel health clinic.

If upon return (up to one year after traveling) from your trip you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of illness (example: fever, diarrhea, respiratory illness or rash) please be sure to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. It is important to inform your provider of your recent travels to aid them in determining the cause of your symptoms.