Trip & Travel Insurance Blog PangaeaInsure.com

Here’s a quick run down from the CDC on what to do if you’re headed to the World Cup in South Africa. Some great advice. Lucky you to be going! Enjoy!

From June 11 to July 11, 2010, South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup. Over 350,000 visitors are expected to travel to South Africa to attend the games. Along with the excitement of soccer, this will be an exciting time to see new sights, experience a different culture and food, and meet new people. If you are planning to travel to South Africa during the World Cup, here are some things to keep in mind to help make your trip safe and healthy.

Pack a health kit

Health products available in South Africa are different from the ones in the United States. They may not be effective for you. Pack your own health supplies to be sure you have what you need, and talk to your doctor to make sure you pack everything for your specific health needs.

Prepare for an emergency

- Register with the U.S. Department of State in case of an emergency.

- The U.S. Department of State provides a free travel registration service to U.S. citizens who are traveling or living in another country. Registration allows a traveler to record information about his or her upcoming trip abroad that the U.S. Department of State can use to assist in case of an emergency.

- Be prepared to pay out of pocket at the time you receive any medical services while traveling, even if you do have insurance.

Gather Important Contact Information

Before you leave, it is important to write down contact information (phone numbers and addresses) of services you may need.

- Find the American Embassy or Consulate in your destination by going to the list of Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions (U.S. Department of State). Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.

- Know where health-care resources are located in your destination before you leave.

During your trip

As with most large sporting events, the World Cup will draw masses of people into confined areas. Follow these tips to stay healthy and have an enjoyable and safe experience.

Stay healthy

- Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, after you cough or sneeze, and after you go to the bathroom. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).

- Follow safe food and water practices. Remember that water quality in South Africa varies, especially from rural to urban areas.

- Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.

- Eat foods that are fully cooked and served hot.

- Eat only fruits and vegetables that you can wash and peel yourself.

- Eat and drink only dairy products that have been pasteurized.

- In rural areas, drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed and do not put ice in drinks.

- When outdoors, use insect repellent on exposed skin.

- Look for a repellent that contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535. Always follow the instructions on the label when you use the repellent.

- In general, repellents protect longer against mosquito bites when they have a higher concentration (%) of any of these active ingredients. However, concentrations above 50% do not offer a distinct increase in protection time. Products with less than 10% of an active ingredient may offer only limited protection, often only 1–2 hours.

- The American Academy of Pediatrics approves the use of repellents with up to 30% DEET on children over 2 months of age.

- Avoid ticks.

- Wear light-colored clothing that allows you to see ticks.

- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots, and hats. Tuck in shirts and wear socks and closed shoes instead of sandals.

- Apply repellents to discourage ticks from attaching. Repellents containing permethrin can be sprayed on boots and clothing and will last for several days. Repellents containing DEET (n, n-diethyl-m-toluamide) can be applied to the skin, but will last only a few hours before reapplication is necessary.

- When you return from potentially tick-infested areas, conduct a body check by searching your entire body for ticks. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Remove any tick you find on your body.

- Drink plenty of water and eat regularly to avoid dehydration.

- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to prevent sunburn, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent sun damage to your eyes.

- Avoid touching or petting animals, especially birds and dogs.

- Swim only in chlorinated water.

- Limit alcohol. Alcohol can impair your judgment and increase the likelihood of participating in risky behaviors.

- If you consume alcohol, do not accept drinks from someone you don’t know, and never leave your drink unattended. The act of drink spiking or placing illegal drugs into another person’s drink is on the rise.

- Use condoms when engaging in any kind sexual activity to help protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. HIV prevalence in South Africa is higher than in the United States.

- Avoid use of illegal drugs.

- Avoid sharing needles or other devices that can puncture the skin.

Stay safe

Avoid injuries

- Follow local laws and customs and World Cup security regulations.

- Don’t drink and drive.

- Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or motorcycle.

- Wear a seat belt.

- Be careful when participating in recreational activities, including swimming.

- Be careful when crossing the street.

- Avoid political protests and rallies.

Avoid being a victim of crime

- Don’t travel alone

- Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry large amounts of money.

- Keep luggage, cameras, and other valuables near you at all times.

- Make photocopies of your passport for each piece of luggage and to carry with you at all times.

- Develop plans for where to meet if you become separated from your travel companions.

Know how to access emergency services

If you get sick or need emergency services while in South Africa, it will be important to seek medical attention immediately.

After your trip

- Pay close attention to how you feel for at least 10 days after you get home.

- Go to the doctor if you feel sick, especially if you have a fever. Be sure to tell the doctor that you have traveled to South Africa.

- If you have been in a malaria risk area, stay aware of signs of malaria. This disease can develop up to 1 year after travel.

- Get tested for schistosomiasis if you have been wading, swimming or bathing in fresh water, and get treatment if you need it.