Tainted alcohol is becoming a bigger problem and a larger risk for travelers around the world. Last month, the U.S. State Department released a travel warning for Mexico regarding tainted alcohol.

Tainted alcohol is liquor that’s been tampered with drugs or a mixture of drugs. This kind of alcohol can do more than ruin your trip, proving deadly in some cases.

The most common drugs used to taint drinks include scopolamine, phencylidine (better known as PCP) or methaqualone, according to Matthew Johnson, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

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Throughout 2016, western Africa struggled to end an outbreak of yellow fever. Focused in Angola, the mosquito-borne virus had been growing in sub-Saharan Africa for years.

By the end of the year, Angolan officials declared the epidemic was over. But, upon recent news out of Nigeria, other parts of the world are bracing for another yellow fever threat.

Starting in December, Nigeria will begin a mass vaccination campaign to prevent yellow fever. The campaign is in response to many cases of the virus that have popped up throughout the country.

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Along with Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest, South America is home to some unique and flavorful cuisine.

Utilizing its rich natural resources, South America has some of the most exciting dishes in the world, which entice travelers to come visit. If you are traveling to South America, here are some unforgettable dishes to try:

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The worst nightmare of any traveler is getting sick while on the road. While some illnesses can end a trip, not every virus forces you to return home.

Pink eye is a large concern for travelers everywhere for the pain and annoyance of the virus can threaten the fun of a vacation.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, comes in three forms: viral, bacterial, and allergic. All symptoms are the same with intense swollen and red eyes that are usually itchy and painful. Viral conjunctivitis is extremely contagious, but usually clears up within two weeks. Bacterial infections usually only affect children and allergic infections can be treated with allergy medications.

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Many viruses and diseases are a yearround problem. They can strike populations around the world at any time or season throughout the year. Diseases like hepatitis, meningitis and chickenpox can infect a person at any time during the year.

But, it’s the viruses that only spread certain times of the year that we tend to worry about the most. Whether it’s seasonal allergies, the common cold, sinus infections or influenza, some illnesses can cause panic one time of the year.

Fall has begun and with the new season comes the busiest time for the flu.

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