Outbound travellers shall prevent mosquito-borne infectious diseases

By Wu Xiaoyun

Recently, Nantong Customs issued a health reminder, calling on citizens to strengthen prevention of mosquito-borne infectious diseases when travelling abroad. At present, there are a lot of cases of mosquito-borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya fever in many places around the world. Imported cases and local transmission have occurred in some parts of China.

Nantong Customs suggested outbound travellers check the epidemic information of the destination in advance. They can inquire at the International Travel Healthcare Center to obtain professional advice. Before travelling, protective items including mosquito repellent and long-lasting mosquito nets shall be prepared. While abroad, they shall avoid going out from dusk to dawn, wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants, choose accommodations with window screens and mosquito nets, and spray pesticides regularly. If you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, rash, etc., seek medical attention immediately.

Apart from that, visitors must actively report their travel history and symptoms when entering China and cooperate with customs quarantine. Within the one month after they returned to China, they shall monitor the body temperature closely. If you have suspected symptoms, you need to seek medical treatment immediately and clearly inform the doctor of your overseas trip.