Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Initial symptoms, which resemble a mild flu, usually subside uneventfully in a few days,
but a minority of cases involve potentially fatal complications.
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Diagnosis is through blood and/or urine tests and treatment is with antibiotics.
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Minimize your risk by staying out of bodies of freshwater (eg pools, streams, waterfalls);
avoid these entirely if you have open cuts or sores.
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On hiking trails, take warning signs about leptospirosis seriously. If you're camping, wa-
ter purification and good hygiene are essential.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS
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Hawaii leads the nation in staphylococcus infections, having over twice the rate of infec-
tion as the US mainland. Some types of antibiotic-resistant staph infections can be fatal.
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Staph infections are caused by bacteria that enter the body through an open wound.
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To prevent infection, practice good hygiene (eg wash your hands frequently, shower or
bathe daily, wear clean clothing). Apply antibiotic ointment (eg Neosporin) to any open
cuts or sores and keep them out of recreational water; if they're on your feet, don't go
barefoot, even on sand.
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If a wound becomes painful, looks red, inflamed or swollen, leaks pus or causes a rash
or blisters, seek medical help immediately.
Insurance
Getting travel insurance to cover theft, loss and medical problems is highly recommen-
ded. Some insurance policies do not cover 'risky' activities such as scuba diving, trekking
and motor-cycling, so read the fine print. Make sure your policy at least covers hospital
stays and an emergency flight home.
Paying for your airline ticket or rental car with a credit card may provide limited travel
accident insurance. For more car-rental insurance options,
Click here
. If you already have
private US health insurance or a homeowners or renters policy, find out what those
policies cover and only get supplemental insurance. If you have prepaid a large portion of
your vacation, trip cancellation insurance may be a worthwhile expense.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance
.
You
can buy, extend and claim online any time - even if you're already on the road.
