Hepatitis A is 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.
A life-threatening infection caused by bacteria that spread 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. Typhoid is common in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Central and South America. It is spread by eating contaminated food or water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 travellers to developing countries. Symptoms include, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration and malaise.
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