Canada Issues Travel Advisory For The U.S. Amid Outbreaks

On October 15, Canada updated its travel advice for the U.S. amid reports of a serious disease outbreak in Florida.

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For those heading past the border soon, here’s what you should know to keep yourself safe, healthy, and protected.

Travel Advisory for the U.S.

According to the federal government, dengue fever outbreaks have been reported in Florida. Most cases are concentrated in Hillsborough County, including the city of Tampa.

Spread by infected mosquitos, dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. The infection can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever (also known as “severe dengue”), affecting your body’s vascular system. It can lead to “significant internal bleeding and organ failure,” the federal government notes.

Although research is underway, dengue fever does not currently have an approved vaccine or medication that prevents it.

What to Do

“Some people have no symptoms, while others can become seriously ill. People who have had dengue before may be at higher risk of severe illness,” the advisory warns.

Travellers are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites at all times because the mosquitos that spread dengue can bite during day and night. They can also be found inside and outside of buildings. Here’s a few tips from the federal government on how to avoid mosquito bites:

Cover up and wear light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven material. Minimize exposed skin by wearing long pants and tucked-in long sleeve shirts with closed-toe shoes or boots and a hat.
Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin.
Minimize insect exposure by:
- Making sure indoor areas are completely enclosed or well screened.
- Keeping a flyswatter to kill insects as needed, when indoors.
- Showering, changing, and washing clothing and gear after participating in outdoor activities.

For more information, you can visit the U.S. travel advice page here.