Page 60 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter 2024/2025

Symptoms
Not all mosquitoes carry diseases, and many people who
are bitten remain symptom-free. But the health conse-
quences from infection can be serious. Barrie pharmacist
and mosquito-borne disease expert Michael Boivin notes
that symptoms can include severe headache, fever, rash
and joint pain.
For chikungunya, Health Canada says symptoms typi-
cally come on quickly, although they can take up to 12
days to appear. They can include a sudden fever,
headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Severe, painful
arthritis-like symptoms can also occur and last for several
weeks, months or even years.
There is no cure for chikungunya.
“For some, it can be life-altering and life-changing,”
Boivin says.
Make a Protection Plan
Insect repellent should be as essential to your travel kit as
sunscreen. Health Canada-approved repellents containing
DEET or icaridin (also known as picaridin) do more than
prevent annoyingly itchy bites by helping you stay healthy
while enjoying the outdoors. Boivin suggests incorpo-
rating repellent into your routine even when you’re not
travelling. Make it a habit to use repellent outdoors during
the summer, so it becomes second nature.
Both DEET and icaridin repellents work equally well,
says Boivin; the key is the duration of protection, usually
around eight hours, which is more important than the
concentration level. Icaridin is safe for children as young
as six months old. Apply repellent to exposed skin,
avoiding the face, by spraying it onto your hands first,
then patting it on. Wash your hands thoroughly after
application. Reapply as needed and always apply sun-
screen first, letting it dry before using repellent.
Not a fan of checked luggage? Travellers on team carry-
on can opt for repellent wipes and towelettes or 100 ml or
less bottles of repellent spray or lotion.
Staying Healthy
Before your next winter getaway, consult with your
health-care provider, pharmacist, or visit a travel clinic to
discuss protection measures against mosquito-borne dis-
eases and available vaccines. For instance, there is a
vaccine to help protect against Japanese encephalitis,
which is found in parts of Asia and Oceania. There is also
a vaccine to protect against Yellow Fever, which is found
in Africa and South America.
Finally, Health Canada has recently approved a new
single-dose vaccine for chikungunya virus. Chikungunya
occurs primarily in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian sub-
continent, Pacific Region, and tropical regions of the
Americas, but outbreaks have occurred in other locations
that have the mosquitoes that spread the virus (Aedes
species). Speak with your health-care provider about
these options if you’re travelling to areas where these
mosquito-borne diseases are common.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For additional information on mosquito-borne diseases
and prevention, visit 110trillionreasons.ca
60
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2024/2025
PHOTOS: TARYN ELLIOTT/PEXELS | JAVLON PULATOV/PEXELS | APASARIC/PEXELS