How to Stay Healthy on Your Tropical Vacation, According to a Top Virologist

Planning a getaway to a warm destination this summer? Be careful what you sip. Academician Vitaly Zverev, a leading virologist with the Russian Academy of Sciences, warns that up to 90% of illnesses travelers face in hot countries—including popular spots like Turkey—are intestinal infections. His advice comes as summer travel ramps up and tourists flock to sun-soaked shores.

Zverev’s biggest red flag: the ice in your cocktail. If it’s made from tap water, it could be a direct ticket to stomach trouble. He also urges caution when swimming in public pools or beaches, where bacteria can thrive. Beyond the gut, he points to mosquito-borne threats like dengue fever and chikungunya virus, which are common in many tropical regions.

The simplest safeguard? Watch what goes into your mouth. "The most important rule to avoid getting sick is to pay close attention to what you eat and drink," Zverev told Parlamentskaya Gazeta. He recommends sticking to bottled water, skipping street food that looks questionable, and using insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes. A little vigilance goes a long way toward keeping your vacation memorable for the right reasons.