HEPATITIS A
A viral infection of the liver. Hepatitis A , is the most common form of the disease to afflict travellers. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Fever, chills, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice. |
Contaminated water and ice, raw salads and vegetables, raw or undercooked shellfish, unpeeled fruits and ice cream. |
Avoid contaminated food and water. Practice good hygiene habits. |
HEPATITIS B
A viral infection of the liver. This form of Hepatitis is transmitted in a similar way to HIV. Those at risk include the sexually promiscuous and those requiring medical or dental treatment in developing countries. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice. |
Unprotected sex, contaminated blood and body fluids, injections, non sterile medical and dental equipment. |
Avoid tattooing, acupuncture and casual unprotected sexual intercourse. Check sterile needles and syringes are being used. |
MENINGITIS
A bacterial infection of the lining and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (light sensitivity), blotchy rash. |
Inhalation of bacteria in droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. |
Avoid overcrowded places and close contact with the local population. Practice good hygiene habits. |
POLIO
Viral infection affecting the whole body including muscles and nervous system. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, |
Direct person to person contact through either infected mucous from the nose and throat or by infected faeces. |
Immunisation is very effective. |
RABIES
Viral infection affecting the nervous system of animals. Transmitted to humans by infected saliva via a bite. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Fever, headache, muscle spasms, convulsions, numbness, tingling, difficulty with swallowing. |
Animal bites from dogs, skunks, racoons, foxes, chipmunks, monkeys, scratches from bats. |
Do not approach or handle animals you do not know, particularly if they are acting strangely. |
TETANUS
Bacterial infection affecting the central nervous system. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Muscle spasms, tightening of jaw muscle, neck stiffness, muscle rigidity, irritability, fever. |
Exposure to infected spores in soil. |
Completely preventable through immunisation. Thorough cleaning of all injuries and wound, and removal of all dead tissue. |
TYPHOID
Bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Fever, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, lethargy, constipation and then diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, bloody stools, nosebleed. |
Contaminated food and water. |
Avoid contaminated food and water. |
YELLOW FEVER
Insect borne tropical disease.. Some countries require certification that you have been vaccinated. |
| Symptoms |
Causes |
Prevention |
| Fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, reddening of eyes, unusual bleeding. |
Bites from infected mosquitoes. |
Avoid mosquito bites. Use insect repellents. Cover exposed skin. |
