Click on a link below for more information:
Hepatitis A
A viral infection of the liver spread by food, water or person-to-person contact. It is very common in developing countries where sanitation and hygiene is poor.
Symptoms in adults include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), fatigue, nausea, stomach pains, fever, pale stools and dark urine. It is spread by eating contaminated food or water.
 Only drink purified water
Only eat well-cooked food
Vaccination is recommended before travel to a high risk area.
Typhoid
A life-threatening infection caused by a bacteria that spreads from the digestive tract to attack the whole body. Symptoms include high fever, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, chills and constipation or diarrhoea. Common in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Central and South America. It is spread by eating contaminated food or water.
Only drink purified water
Only eat well-cooked food
Vaccination is recommended before travel to a high risk area
Hepatitis B
This viral infection of the liver is spread by sexual contact, contaminated blood, needles, body piercing and tattooing.
Common in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the interior Amazon Basin and certain parts of the Caribbean.
Always use condoms
Never re-use syringes
Never share razors, shavers or toothbrushes
Don’t get tattooed or have your body pierced
Vaccination is recommended for travelers spending over 6 months in high risk areas, health care workers and those intending to participate in high risk activities.
Cholera
Cholera causes rapid dehydration, which if untreated can lead to death within 24 hours. It may be present in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, parts of Europe, South and Central America, including Mexico. It is spread by eating contaminated food or water.
Only drink purified water
Only eat well-cooked food
Vaccination is recommended before travel to a high risk area
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause illness and death worldwide. It is spread person-to-person by coughing, sneezing or direct contact. The symptoms of fever, headache and general malaise may mimic other illnesses.
Vaccination is required for pilgrims traveling to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus which attacks the brain leading to confusion and sometimes death. It is found in various parts of Asia from East India to Korea, Japan and Indonesia. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and is more common in the rainy season and at the beginning of the dry season.
Avoid mosquito bites
Avoid the outdoors between dusk & dawn
Use a good insect repellent
Wear long sleeves and pants
Sleep behind fly screens or under mosquito nets
Yellow Fever
This is a viral illness causing flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, abdominal pains and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). It is found in Central and South America as well as tropical regions of Africa. It is carried by mosquitoes.
Avoid mosquito bites
Avoid outdoor activities between Dusk & Dawn
Use a good insect repellent
Wear long sleeves and pants
Sleep behind fly screens or under mosquito nets
Tetanus, diphtheria and polio
These are serious diseases which have been largely controlled in developed countries by extensive vaccination programs but are still endemic in many developing regions. Immunisation against these diseases is part of the normal childhood schedule. If you have missed out, talk to your health care provider.
A booster for tetanus and diphtheria is required every 10 years
A booster for polio is required for travelers to risk areas if they haven’t had one for 10 years
Malaria
This is a parasitic disease carried by mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical parts of Africa, South America and parts of Asia. It causes fl u-like symptoms initially, progressing to seizures, coma, breathing and kidney problems.
Because malaria is resistant to certain drugs, you need to ask your health care provider for the appropriate drug for your destination.
Avoid mosquito bites
Avoid outdoor activities between dusk & dawn
Use a good insect repellant
Wear long sleeves and pants
Sleep behind fly screens or under mosquito nets
Tuberculosis
This bacterial infection attacks the lungs, and sometimes other organs. It is spread person-to-person by coughing and talking. It can also be carried in unpasteurised milk. It is more prevalent in developing countries, particularly in tropical areas.
Symptoms include cough, weight loss, swollen lymph glands, fever and night sweats.
Don’t drink unpasteurised milk
Check if you received a vaccination when you were a baby
Avoid close contact with people who might have it
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection of the brain that can follow a bite, scratch or even a lick from an infected animal. It is widespread but more common in developing countries. It is fatal if not treated by prompt immunization after exposure.
People at risk of exposure should have pre-exposure vaccinations
Avoid contact with wild animals
Seek prompt medical attention if you think you might have been exposed even if you have been vaccinated
Traveller’s Diarrhoea
This is a mild to moderately serious infection caused by one of a number of food and water-borne bacteria. It is common in all countries but is widespread amongst travelers to developing countries. Symptoms include, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and malaise.
Only drink purified water
Only eat well-cooked food
Brush your teeth in purified water
Avoid ice in your drinks unless you know it’s safe
FURTHER INFORMATION:
HHMP Travel Doctor |
Travel Vaccine Advice |
Travellers Checklist |
Vaccinations & Medications |
Diseases & Precautions
|
