LITTLETON, Colo., Feb. 23, 2010 — WorldNomads.com, leading global travel insurance provider, has released claims data showing an alarming trend in injuries happening to their UK customers.
Over 65% of all major claims submitted by UK travellers are for injuries occurring in Asia. North America was the next hotspot for claims at 25%.
The primary incidents occurring in Asia were related to road travel accidents, 19% of claims, followed by an alarming increase in mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue Fever and Malaria, 14% of claims.
"The rising increase in incidents relating to road traffic accidents and mosquito-borne diseases is of great concern, and traveller education needs to play a large role in assisting to reduce this," says Nick Pound of WorldNomads.com. "Travellers also need to understand that the rules of the road that apply at home in the UK are thrown out the window when travelling by road through Asia. Extra precaution when crossing roads, driving scooters and hiring cars needs to be taken."
Dengue is a viral illness that is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. This illness, once confined to SE Asia, has now become more common in Latin America, Asia, Africa, North America and even Australia. Dengue, nicknamed "breakbone fever" due to the wracking muscle cramping it causes, has no specific treatment and carries a case fatality rate of 40-50% if left untreated and progresses to the dreaded Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.
"Travellers headed to areas with Dengue activity should travel prepared to do what they can to prevent mosquito bites. Caution should also be used when looking at the time of year travelling occurs, especially during rainy seasons," comments Dr. Erik McLaughlin, WorldNomads.com's roving medical expert.
"Dengue is a serious and persistent health risk and savvy travellers need to be aware of it and start getting used to taking proper precautions."
To learn more about travel safety and Dengue Fever visit the WorldNomads.com Travel Safety Hub: http://safety.worldnomads.com.
Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com provides travel insurance and travel safety services to residents over 150 countries. Find out why WorldNomads.com is an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey at http://worldnomads.com
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Alexia Nestora
Lasso Communications
alexia[at]lassocommunications.com
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