Baltimore, MD–6/25/2009—The 2009 monsoon season will soon arrive in the Asian territories and culicine mosquito populations are expected to increase. “These mosquitoes may carry the virus that causes Japanese Encephalitis (JE), which kills 10-15,000 people each year,” warned Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the largest provider of travel medical services in the U.S. A new vaccine called Ixiaro® has been approved by the FDA, and is ready for distribution in the United States. Some Passport Health’s offices will have both JE-VAX® and Ixiaro® until JE-VAX® is phased out. “The new vaccine is good for adults over 18 so we still have to use JE-VAX® for the younger population,” concluded Lessans. Both vaccines protect against JE.
Monsoons flood areas with fresh rain water and this attracts culicine mosquitoes which may carry the virus that causes Japanese Encephalitis. 30,000-50,000 people are infected each year. An educational video is available here (http://bit.ly/BmP6I).
China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand have seen epidemics of Japanese Encephalitis. The CDC explains that the disease is controlled primarily by vaccination in these areas. “Vaccination is the best prevention for this potentially deadly disease,” cautioned Lessans, whose clients’ number one travel destination is India, followed by China. “JE is endemic in northeastern India and we see outbreaks in China as well.”
The new JE vaccine is given in a 2-shot series, 28 days apart, while JE-VAX® requires 3 doses. The FDA has approved the new vaccine and it is already available at some Passport Health offices.
Japanese Encephalitis is a serious infection which occurs in certain rural parts of Asia and it’s transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It causes the brain to swell and symptoms of severe infections include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, abnormal movements, occasional convulsions (especially in infants), coma, and paralysis. About 1 in 4 of such cases results in death.
“In addition to being vaccinated travelers need to know how to use the correct type of mosquito repellent and other precautionary measures,” cautioned Lessans. She went on to offer some tips for travelers:
• Remain in well-screened areas whenever possible
• Wear clothes that cover most of the body
• Use an insect repellent containing 20%-30% DEET on skin.
• Spray Permethrin on clothes, bedding and mosquito nets
For more information visit www.passporthealthusa.com or call 888-499-(PASS)
***
Jorge Castillo
410-727-0556
Jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com
Jun 25, 2009
Jun 20, 2009
Going on Faith quoted in Associated Press article
Spiritual destinations’ reach mind, body, soul - MSNBC
WRTA Partner and Going on Faith editor Brian Jewell is quoted in this Associated Press story on religious travel.
Read full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31174070/ns/travel-destinations/
Church group travel remains strong in spite of the recession, said Brian Jewell, the editor of "Going on Faith," a publication for faith-based travel planners. "Because of the importance that people place in their faith, they come up with the means or make other sacrifices to take that trip once or twice a year," Jewell said. Jewell also said church groups tend to travel in larger numbers, allowing visitors to get better price discounts.
WRTA Partner and Going on Faith editor Brian Jewell is quoted in this Associated Press story on religious travel.
Read full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31174070/ns/travel-destinations/
Church group travel remains strong in spite of the recession, said Brian Jewell, the editor of "Going on Faith," a publication for faith-based travel planners. "Because of the importance that people place in their faith, they come up with the means or make other sacrifices to take that trip once or twice a year," Jewell said. Jewell also said church groups tend to travel in larger numbers, allowing visitors to get better price discounts.
Jun 19, 2009
New Israel tourism minister to focus on promoting Israel as the holy land
Full article at http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=P16479
Jun 19, 09
Just weeks after his May 2009 appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, has ordered a major refocusing of the Ministry's overseas promotional efforts to place greater emphasis on Israel as the land holy to the three monotheistic religions. "What Israel needs to focus more on," Misezhnikov recently declared, "is what other countries don't have, or in other words: the Holy Land. Israel is holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the increasing focus of the tourism ministry today is to promote Israel as such."
Misezhnikov is petitioning his government for a virtual doubling of the Ministry of Tourism's promotional budget, with an aim to spending close to $100 million in 2010. "I know there's a global economic crisis but that's exactly the reason we need the money for marketing now," he underscores, "because when the world gets out of this crisis, not too long from now, we need to be ready so we don't miss the train.
Tourism to Israel in 2008 broke the all-time record, with more Americans, and more international visitors coming to Israel than ever before. "And while tourism to many countries is suffering decreases of 30, 40, 50 percent this year because of the recession," commented Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America, "2009 tourism to Israel is down just 13% - a result that is deeply encouraging for the long-term health of Israel's tourism industry."
Jun 19, 09
Just weeks after his May 2009 appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, has ordered a major refocusing of the Ministry's overseas promotional efforts to place greater emphasis on Israel as the land holy to the three monotheistic religions. "What Israel needs to focus more on," Misezhnikov recently declared, "is what other countries don't have, or in other words: the Holy Land. Israel is holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the increasing focus of the tourism ministry today is to promote Israel as such."
Misezhnikov is petitioning his government for a virtual doubling of the Ministry of Tourism's promotional budget, with an aim to spending close to $100 million in 2010. "I know there's a global economic crisis but that's exactly the reason we need the money for marketing now," he underscores, "because when the world gets out of this crisis, not too long from now, we need to be ready so we don't miss the train.
Tourism to Israel in 2008 broke the all-time record, with more Americans, and more international visitors coming to Israel than ever before. "And while tourism to many countries is suffering decreases of 30, 40, 50 percent this year because of the recession," commented Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America, "2009 tourism to Israel is down just 13% - a result that is deeply encouraging for the long-term health of Israel's tourism industry."
Jun 18, 2009
The Top 10 Health Tips for International Travel
Passport Health http://www.passporthealthusa.com
DENVER -- Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.
1. Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.
2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.
3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach.
4. Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.
5. Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!
6. Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
7. Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
8. Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions. Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
9. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
10. Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
Source: Passport Health Colorado
DENVER -- Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.
1. Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.
2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.
3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach.
4. Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.
5. Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!
6. Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
7. Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
8. Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions. Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
9. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
10. Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
Source: Passport Health Colorado
Jun 13, 2009
Taking the Bite Out of Travel/Passport Health
WRTA Member Passport Health interviewed by Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459335008800343.html#
.....Likewise, some travelers throw caution to the wind in an effort to have genuine local experiences. "People do crazy things when they are on vacation and take risks they would never think of at home," says Fran Lessans, a nurse who is founder and chief executive of Passport Health, which operates 167 travel-medicine clinics around the U.S. and provides vaccination services to the federal government.
......Travelers can obtain preventive care from their doctor or a private clinic. Passport Health charges $48 for a pre-travel consultation. It also offers vaccinations and kits that include medicine for diarrhea and a 12-hour controlled release mosquito repellent.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459335008800343.html#
.....Likewise, some travelers throw caution to the wind in an effort to have genuine local experiences. "People do crazy things when they are on vacation and take risks they would never think of at home," says Fran Lessans, a nurse who is founder and chief executive of Passport Health, which operates 167 travel-medicine clinics around the U.S. and provides vaccination services to the federal government.
......Travelers can obtain preventive care from their doctor or a private clinic. Passport Health charges $48 for a pre-travel consultation. It also offers vaccinations and kits that include medicine for diarrhea and a 12-hour controlled release mosquito repellent.
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