Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ated you'll need a course of five injections starting 24 hours, or as soon as possible, after
the injury. If you have been vaccinated, you'll need fewer post-bite injections, and have
more time to seek medical help. Self-treatment: none.
SCHISTOSOMIASIS (BILHARZIA)
This disease is a risk throughout Tanzania. It's spread by flukes (parasitic flatworm) 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 migrate 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 (including Lake Vict-
oria) 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 an-
tibodies 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 possible for you
to infect others. Self-treatment: none.
TRYPANOSOMIASIS (SLEEPING SICKNESS)
This disease is spread via the bite of the tsetse fly. It causes headache, fever and eventually
coma. If you have these symptoms and have negative malaria tests, have yourself evaluated
by a reputable clinic in Dar es Salaam, where you should also be able to obtain treatment
for trypanosomiasis. There is an effective treatment. Self-treatment: none.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
TB 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 loc-
al population, especially on long-term stays, although it gives only moderate protection
against TB. TB can be asymptomatic, only being picked up on a routine chest X-ray. Al-
ternatively, 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. Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
can sometimes 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.
