infections
Overview of Parasitic Infections
Prevention of Parasitic Infections
Despite substantial investment and research, only one vaccine is currently available for prevention of human parasitic infections, and that is for Malaria (see In general, measures that help prevent infection by parasites involve Good personal hygiene Avoiding insect bites Avoiding contact with contaminated water or soil Many preventive measures are sensible everywhere but some are more important in specific areas. Information about precautions needed in specific areas is available from the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTravelers' Health page. People need to be particularly careful when they travel to areas where sanitation methods are questionable. In addition, people should think about what they are eating and drinking before they consume it and make sure food is adequately cooked and water is not contaminated. For example, people should avoid drinking from lakes and streams and should avoid swallowing water when using swimming pools or water parks. Even water that looks fresh and clean can contain parasites, so people should not use the appearance of water to judge its safety for drinking. In areas of the world where food, drink, and water may be contaminated with parasites, wise advice for travelers is to Avoid drinking tap water "Cook it, boil it, peel it, or forget it" Because some parasites survive freezing, ice cubes can sometimes transmit disease unless the cubes are made from purified water. Thoroughhandwashingusing soap and water is very important. People who prepare food for others (for example, restaurant workers) must be particularly careful to wash their hands thoroughly because they can spread infection to many people. Handwashing is important in the following situations: After using the toilet After changing a child's diapers or cleaning a child who has used the toilet Before, during, and after preparing food Before eating food Before and after caring for a person who is sick Before and after treating a cut or wound After touching an animal or animal waste To know precautions to take in specific countries, people should check the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTravelers' Health page. Measures that help protect against insect bites include: Using insecticide (permethrinor pyrethrum) sprays in homes and outbuildings Placing screens on doors and windows Usingpermethrin- or pyrethrum-saturated mosquito netting over beds Applying insect repellents containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) on exposed areas of the skin Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, particularly between dusk and dawn, to protect against insect bites If insect exposure is likely to be long or involve many insects, applyingpermethrinto clothing before it is worn 