Health Department advises tourists to get vaccinations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The state Department of Health says Oklahomans who plan to travel overseas during the summer should be aware of any health risks at their destinations and take steps to stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides current information about common diseases, emerging health threats and food and water safety by country. Federal officials also post travel notices about outbreaks and preventive measures.

State health officials say a recent travel notice involved a hepatitis A outbreak in Mexico. A total of 27 cases of hepatitis A, including one Oklahoman, occurred among U.S. travelers to Tulum, Mexico, from Feb. 15 to March 20.

Health official say travelers to Central and South America should be vaccinated for hepatitis A. Travelers to underdeveloped countries are at greater risk for infectious diseases.