The Health Bureau (SSM) urged residents in a statement yesterday to remain vigilant about personal, food, and environmental hygiene during their travels, such as getting vaccinated before leaving, as the Christmas and New Year holidays draw near, and increased travel and gatherings among residents are expected to elevate the risk of infectious diseases such as influenza and gastroenteritis.
According to the statement, residents should assess their health conditions and stay informed about any recent disease outbreaks or specific health risks at their destinations, taking appropriate preventive measures accordingly, such as getting vaccinated against seasonal influenza before travelling. Different vaccines require varying periods to develop effective antibodies, the statement said, thus residents are advised to plan ahead based on their travel schedules.
Meanwhile, the statement noted that residents should take preventive measures to avoid respiratory infections and gastroenteritis during travel, for instance, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, choosing dining establishments with good hygiene standards, consuming only boiled water or bottled water from reliable sources, avoid approaching and feeding wild animals (such as bats or camels) and maintaining a safe distance to prevent zoonotic diseases like avian influenza.
Moreover, when engaging in outdoor or rural activities in tropical regions, residents should take extra precautions against mosquito bites, wear light-coloured long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and apply effective insect repellent on exposed skin to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the statement said.
The statement added that if travellers experience symptoms such as fever, cough, rash, vomiting, or diarrhoea during or after travel, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers of their travel history and potential exposures to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, the statement said.
For more information on disease prevention, visit the Health Bureau’s Infectious Disease Information website at https://www.ssm.gov.mo/csr and the Vaccine Information webpage at https://www.ssm.gov.mo/vaccine.
This handout poster provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) shows its recommended prevention measures for respiratory infections during this peak travel month.
