Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
fever, with worsening symptoms including vomiting, rapid breathing and abdominal pain. Seek medical help as this can
be fatal.
Diphtheria
Spread through close respiratory contact, diphtheria is found in all of Africa. It usually causes a temperature and a
severe sore throat. Sometimes a membrane forms across the throat and a tracheostomy is needed to prevent suffocation.
Vaccination is recommended for those likely to be in close contact with the local population in infected areas. More im-
portant for long stays than for short-term trips, the vaccine is given as an injection alone or with tetanus and lasts 10
years.
Filariasis
Tiny worms migrating in the lymphatic system cause filariasis. It is found in most of West Africa. A bite from an infec-
ted mosquito spreads the infection. Symptoms include itching and swelling of the legs and/or genitalia. Treatment is
available.
Hepatitis A
Found in all of Africa, Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food (particularly shellfish) and water. It causes jaun-
dice and is rarely fatal, but can cause prolonged lethargy and delayed recovery. If you've had hepatitis A, you shouldn't
drink alcohol for up to six months after, but once you've recovered, there won't be any long-term problems. The first
symptoms include dark urine and a yellow colour to the whites of the eyes. Sometimes a fever and abdominal pain
might occur. Hepatitis A vaccine (Avaxim, VAQTA, Havrix) is given as an injection: a single dose will give protection
for a year and a booster after a year gives 10-year protection. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines can also be given as a
single-dose vaccine (Hepatyrix or Viatim).
Hepatitis B
Spread through infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse, Hepatitis B is found in Africa. It can be
spread from an infected mother to the baby in childbirth. It affects the liver, causing jaundice and occasionally liver fail-
ure. Most people recover completely, but some might be chronic carriers of the virus, which can lead eventually to cir-
rhosis or liver cancer. Those visiting high-risk areas for long periods or with increased social or occupational risk should
be immunised. Many countries now give Hepatitis B as part of the routine childhood vaccination. It is given singly or
can be given at the same time as Hepatitis A (Hepatyrix).
A course of vaccinations will give protection for at least five years. It can be given over four weeks or six months.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a huge
problem in Africa but is most acutely felt in sub- Saharan Africa. The virus is spread through infected blood and blood
products, by sexual intercourse with an infected partner and from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth and
breastfeeding. It can be spread through 'blood to blood' contacts, such as with contaminated instruments during medic-
al, dental, acupuncture and other body-piercing procedures, and through sharing intravenous needles. At present there is
no cure; medication that might keep the disease under control is available, but these drugs are too expensive for the
overwhelming majority of Africans and are not readily available for travellers either. If you think you might have been
infected with HIV, a blood test is necessary; a three-month gap after exposure and before testing is required to allow an-
tibodies to appear in the blood.
