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General Map

General map of United States

Medical Summary

The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).

General Information

The US is an advanced economy classified as high income. Located in North America, the climate is extremely diverse with classifications that range from humid cold (no dry season), with cooler temperatures in some high-altitude areas, to humid equatorial (long dry season).

Vaccinations

Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, or rabies. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Malaria

See also: Library article for Malaria

The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)

No statement given.

CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)

Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.

Other Concerns

Travelers' Diarrhea

See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea

Minimal risk (comparable to that in other industrialized countries) exists throughout the country. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally good, and health concerns related to food and beverage consumption are minimal. Risk for viral gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus) may be elevated based on season, traveler itinerary, and/or level of community transmission.

Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.

Other Food-Borne Illnesses

Precautions to prevent Angiostrongyliasis, seafood poisoning may be needed.

Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Dengue, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, murine typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.

Other Disease and Health Risks

Additional concerns include altitude illness, anthrax disease, hantavirus, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, marine hazards, melioidosis, plague.

Consular Advice

The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.

Terrorism Risk

Risk of attack by domestic and transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.

Crime

Low risk of violent crime (armed robbery and home robbery) and moderate risk of petty crime exist throughout the country, mainly in urban areas, areas frequented by tourists, and on public transportation.

Theft of valuables from unattended rental vehicles and accommodations is common.

Scams involving the use of distraction techniques to commit robbery (including ploys to detain drivers) have been reported.

Civil Unrest

Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country and are generally peaceful but have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.

Water Safety

Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.

Transportation Safety

High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries. 

Natural Disasters

The hurricane season is from June through November in coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Floods, mudslides, and landslides may occur.

Winter storms frequently occur in the northern half of the contiguous U.S., especially in the northeast.

Wildfires occur from June through September, especially in western states, including California.

Seismic and volcanic activity frequently occur, especially in the Pacific Northwest region, Alaska, California, and Hawaii.

Consular Information

Selected Embassies or Consulates in the United States

  • Canada: [+1] 844-880-6519; www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/washington
  • United Kingdom: [+1] 202-588-6500; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-washington
  • Australia: [+1] 202-797-3000; www.usa.embassy.gov.au

United States's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries

  • In Canada: ca.usembassy.gov
  • In the U.K.: uk.usembassy.gov
  • In Australia: au.usembassy.gov

Visa/HIV Testing

HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.