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Travelling abroad?

 

Travelling abroad is an amazing adventure, but can put you at risk of contracting diseases. Planning ahead can help you protect yourself and stay healthy! Here is a list of diseases that may pose a risk to international travellers.

Rabies

 

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus is found in the saliva of an infected animal and can be passed to humans through a bite when the virus enters the wound. There is no treatment for rabies and the disease is almost always fatal once someone gets it. To prevent rabies, all travellers to developing countries should avoid contact with animals, especially stray dogs and cats. Any person who may have been exposed to rabies should also seek medical attention immediately for advice about post-exposure prophylaxis.

Dengue Fever

 

Dengue fever is the most common viral disease spread to humans by mosquitoes.  It can cause severe flu-like symptoms.  In some cases, it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever. All travellers are at risk if going to a destination  where Dengue Fever occurs.

There is no vaccine for Dengue Fever. Prevention is done by protecting yourself from mosquito bites.

Hepatitis A

 

Hepatitis A is a disease that occurs worldwide. It is common in developing countries and is generally associated with poor sanitation and poor hygiene. The hepatitis A virus attacks the liver and can cause mild to severe illness. It is one of the most common vaccine-preventable illnesses in travellers. The risk is higher among travellers visiting areas where Hepatitis A is endemic. Hepatitis A is preventable with vaccination.

Hepatitis B

 

Hepatitis B occurs worldwide. It is caused by a virus which infects the liver. It is highly contagious and is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases affecting travellers. The risk depends on the destination, duration, type of travel and whether travellers have direct contact with blood or some body fluids. The risk increases with certain activities such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, tattooing and acupuncture. Health care workers and anyone who receives medical or dental care with unsterile equipment in a country where hepatitis B is endemic are also at risk. Hepatitis B is preventable with vaccination.

Typhoid Fever

 

Typhoid fever is an infection caused by a bacteria (Salmonella typhi) found in contaminated food or water. The disease is commonly associated with eating foods prepared in unsanitary conditions and with eating uncooked foods or drinking untreated water in areas where sewage is not disposed of safely. Typhoid fever is preventable with safe water and food precautions and vaccination.

 

Yellow Fever

 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.  It gets its name from the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that occurs when the virus attacks the liver. Yellow fever can be prevented by a vaccine. The risk varies by season, destination, length of stay, and type of activities. Yellow Fever is preventable with mosquitos repelent and vaccination.

Malaria

 

Malaria is a desease caused by one of four species of Plasmodium parasite. It is spread by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. All travellers are at risk if going to a destination where Malaria occurs.

Symptoms are "flu-like, including: fever, sweats, chills, headache, abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and feeling generally unwell. In more severe cases may include seizures, coma, kidney and respiratory failure, and shock which may lead to death. There is no vaccine against Malaria. Prevention includes: protection from mosquito bites and anti-malarial drugs (when indicated).

Travellers' Diarrhea

 

Travellers’ diarrhea is the most common illness that affects travellers. It is easily spread from person-to-person or by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces. 

Travellers are at higher risk when going to destinations with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation and poor food handling practises. 

Travellers' Diarrhea can be prevented with safe food and water precautions, frequent hand washing and vaccination.

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