If news of the recent outbreak has you worried about MERS or other infectious diseases, pay attention.
While I always recommend practicing caution, I can say with confidence that I’ve traveled internationally in the midst of the SARS epidemic, swine flu, avian flu, and countless other outbreaks.
Right now, MERS is confined to hospital settings, not public areas.
During major outbreaks of infectious diseases, airports may step up their security protocols. You may see airport officials using body heat scanners to determine if a passenger has a fever.
There may also be antiseptic gels and sanitary masks for travelers.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention posts travel health notices and alerts if it doesn’t recommend traveling to affected regions.
The World Health Organization keeps up-to-date statistics and maps of locations where outbreaks occur.
So, look for country-specific information—not just about MERS, but also polio, measles, and other health concerns—and always talk to your doctor before traveling.
For more information about contagious diseases, check out:
- How You Can Track the Spread of Contagious Diseases
- MERS, Measles & Mumps: What You Need to Know
- What You Need to Know About Traveling With a Cold
Keep reading for more travel tips.
