Diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and rabies are all common illnesses in some parts of the world. You can reduce your exposure to these illnesses by planning for your trip and following a few precautions while you’re travelling.
Water Safety
- Don’t drink or brush your teeth with tap water in countries with poor sanitation: use filtered or bottled water instead.
- Don’t put ice in drinks. Bottled drinks with an unbroken seal are usually safe, as are drinks made with boiled water.
- Avoid salad, fruit and vegetables that have been pre-peeled and cut. Always wash fruit and vegetables yourself before eating.
- Don’t eat food that has been kept at room temperature in hot climates, or that has been uncovered or exposed to insects.
- Don’t drink unpasteurised milk, cheese, ice cream or other dairy products
- Don’t eat raw or uncooked seafood
- Avoid going to places where there are a lot of insects
- Try to be indoors between dusk and dawn, as this is when Malaria mosquitoes are most likely to bite
- Research suggests that insect repelling products that contain the chemical DEET are the most effective and safe when used appropriately
- As mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, wearing loose-fitting trousers and long-sleeved tops in the evenings can reduce the chance of being bitten
- Sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten during the night. Make sure you have a small sewing kit in order to repair the net in case holes develop.
Yes. You should also be vaccinated and take the above precautions with regards to water safety, food safety and insect bites as you may no longer have immunity to some of the illnesses in your country of origin.
What are the Top 10 illnesses of concern to travllers?
The Top 10 illnesses of concern to UK travellers are as follows:
1) Travellers’ Diarrhoea
This is most common in travellers from the UK to developing countries and is caused by contaminated food (usually that has not been thoroughly heated, or that has been left out at room temperature) or water.
People with travellers’ diarrhoea should drink (bottled water) to avoid dehydration. It should only last a couple of days and can be prevented by following the food and water hygiene practices highlighted above.
2) Malaria
This is a serious illness which sometimes proves fatal. It is spread at night by mosquitoes that carry a parasite called ‘plasmodium’. Most people catch malaria because they don’t take any tablets, or take the wrong tablets for the area they are visiting. You should contact your GP or go to a travellers’ clinic for advice that is specific for the country you are visiting.
3) Dengue
This is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes that usually bit during the day. Risk areas include South-East Asia, the Caribbean and South America, and symptoms include fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, and sometimes a rash. Dengue usually lasts a few days and rarely has serious complications. There is no specific treatment, and the best way to avoid it is to avoid mosquito bites.
4) HIV and STIs
Travellers engaging in unprotected sex may expose themselves to HIV and STIs such as Chlamydia or Syphilis. Avoid sex with an unknown partner and always use condoms. If you are travelling to a developing region, it may be better to carry condoms bought in the UK.
5) Hepatitis A
This is a virus carried through food or water that is contaminated by human faeces (poo). Foods such as strawberries, or lettuce that grows close to the ground may be higher risks. Oysters and clams that live on the seabed may also be a risk. Those infected with Hep A can pass on the virus to others. Early symptoms include malaise, loss of appetite, sickness and fever, leading to jaundice. Hep A vaccines are available and should be considered by most travellers.
6) Hepatitis B
This is a common global virus, but also a major cause of chronic liver disease or cancer. Symptoms are flu-like and include loss of appetite, sickness, diarrhoea, abdominal pains and jaundice. Hep B is spread through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, contaminated needles and poorly sterilised medical/dental equipment. High risk regions include Sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands. A vaccine is available.
7) Typhoid
This is a potentially fatal disease caused by the bacteria ‘Salmonella typhi’, and is spread through contaminated water or food in areas of poor contamination. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, sickness, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea. The area with the highest risk of typhoid is the Indian Sub-Continent, and a vaccine is available for travellers visiting high-risk areas.
8) Yellow Fever
This is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes in regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Early symptoms include aching, fever, headache, anorexia, and sickness. In severe cases this can lead to organ failure and death. The disease can be prevented by vaccination, and may even be a condition for entry by some countries.
9) Rabies
This is a virus that attacks the central nervous system, and when it reaches the brain it causes swelling, inflammation and death. It can be found in the saliva of infected animals such as dogs or bats, and can be passed to humans by bites or scratches. High risk areas include Africa, Asia and South America. Vaccination is advised. If you get a bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal, wash the wound with soap and water and seek urgent medical attention.
10) Meningitis
This is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal column, and can be caused by different bacteria and viruses. Symptoms include sudden fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting. The germs are passed from human to human by coughing, sneezing and kissing. High risk areas include Sub-Saharan Africa where there are annual outbreaks. Vaccines are available to travellers to high risk zones. Vaccination against meningitis is required for pilgrims attending the Hajj or Umrah.
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