The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services. It is the organization in the United States government established to protect the health and safety of all American citizens.

The National Center for Infectious Diseases and Travelers' Health will allow you to search by country for recommended inoculations while studying or travelling abroad. It is a comprehensive website that also offers information on: destinations, outbreaks, diseases, vaccinations, insect/arthropod protection, safe food and water, travel medicine clinics, special needs travelers, cruise ships and air travel, illness and injury abroad, and nonmedical emergency preparation.

It is highly recommended that you use the National Center for Diseases and Travelers' Health while you are selecting your program so that you know what innoculations you may need when the time comes.

In Pittsburgh, inoculations for various diseases may be obtained from the Allegheny County Health Department located on Forbes Avenue next to Arby's and across the street from CVS. Their address is:

3333 Forbes Avenue - Third Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 578-8060.

There is no appointment necessary and their hours of operation are:

Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Malaria
Currently, there is no inoculation for malaria. If a student plans to travel to a country where malaria is a concern, s/he must consult their private physician or Student Health for a prescription and take as directed. Some programs require that students obtain malaria medication. Some anti-malarials require that students begin taking medication prior to departure. Other anti-malarial medications require that students begin taking the cycle once they arrive. This depends on the type of malaria medication that is prescribed.

Before traveling, information on malaria prevention is available 24 hours by calling (404) 639-1610. By calling you will receive general information on malaria prevention plus detailed recommendations on prevention in specific areas (Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, China and Southeast Asia, and Oceania).


Dengue
Dengue fever has become the newest travelers disease and has been spreading rapidly in the last 20 year, according to the CDC. The disease is usually benign and self-limiting. There is no vaccine or specific treatment available. It is transmitted by the Ades mosquito, that prefers to feed on humans during the day. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It is most active at dusk and dawn. In this case, more important than medicines to the traveler are protective measures such as mosquito netting, clothes that cover the whole body, and insect repellent for the exposed skin. In addition, travelers should spray Permethrin on their clothing and mosquito netting.