Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
soon as possible after the injury. If you have been vaccinated, you'll need fewer postbite
injections, and have more time to seek medical help. Self-treatment: none.
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)
This disease is a risk in parts of Botswana and Namibia. It's spread by flukes (minute
worms) that are carried by a species of freshwater snail, which then sheds them into slow-
moving or still water. The parasites penetrate human skin during swimming and then mi-
grate to the bladder or bowel. They are excreted via stool or urine and could contaminate
fresh water, where the cycle starts again. Swimming in suspect freshwater lakes or slow-
running rivers should be avoided. Symptoms range from none, to transient fever and rash,
and advanced cases might have blood in the stool or in the urine. A blood test can detect
antibodies if you might have been exposed, and treatment is readily available. If not
treated the infection can cause kidney failure or permanent bowel damage. It's not pos-
sible for you to infect others. Self-treatment: none.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is spread through close respiratory contact and occasionally through infected
milk or milk products. BCG vaccination is recommended if you'll be mixing closely with
the local population, especially on long-term stays, although it gives only moderate pro-
tection against the disease. TB can be asymptomatic, only being picked up on a routine
chest X-ray. Alternatively, it can cause a cough, weight loss or fever, sometimes months
or even years after exposure. Self-treatment: none.
Typhoid
This is spread through food or water contaminated by infected human faeces. The first
symptom is usually a fever or a pink rash on the abdomen. Sometimes septicaemia (blood
poisoning) can occur. A typhoid vaccine (typhim Vi, typherix) will give protection for
three years. In some countries, the oral vaccine Vivotif is also available. Antibiotics are
usually given as treatment, and death is rare unless septicaemia occurs. Self-treatment:
none.
Yellow Fever
Although not a problem within Botswana and Namibia, you'll need to carry a certificate
of vaccination if you'll be arriving from an infected country. For a list of countries with a
high rate of infection, see the websites of the
World Health Organization
(
www.who.int/
en/
)
or the
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
(
www.cdc.gov/travel/
