SYDNEY, Feb 19, 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 travelers 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 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 hire 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.
“Travelers 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 traveling 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 travelers 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.
WorldNomads.com products and services include global travel insurance protecting residents from over 150 countries with high value medical and evacuation coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance and coverage for a large range of adventure activities; language guides and travel blogs plus a stream of travel safety information to ensure all World Nomads stay informed, educated and safe when traveling.
WorldNomads.com clients may also donate to a range of community development projects when purchasing travel insurance through the company�s Footprints Charity program http://footprints.worldnomads.com/.
Collectively, The Footprints Network has raised over $800,000, from over 310,000 donations, which has funded 53 projects across the globe through partner organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children and Water Aid.
WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep members travelling safely throughout the world. For more information visit http://WorldNomads.com.
