Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ate medical assistance should be sought. Animal handlers should be vaccinated, as should those travelling to remote
areas where a reliable source of postbite vaccine is not available within 24 hours.
Three injections are needed over a month to vaccinate against rabies. If you have been bitten and have not been vac-
cinated, you will need a course of five injections starting within 24 hours or as soon as possible after the injury. Vaccina-
tion does not provide you with immunity; it merely buys you more time to seek appropriate medical help.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread through close respiratory contact, and occasionally through infected milk or milk products.
TB can be asymptomatic, although symptoms can include a cough, weight loss or fever, months or even years after
exposure. An X-ray is the best way of establishing if you have TB.
BCG vaccine is recommended for those likely to be mixing closely with the local population. BCG gives a moderate
degree of protection against TB. It's usually only given in specialised chest clinics, and is not available in all countries.
As it's a live vaccine, it should not be given to pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals.
Typhoid
Typhoid is spread through food or water that has been contaminated by infected human faeces.
The first symptom is usually fever or a pink rash on the abdomen. Septicaemia (blood poisoning) may also occur.
Typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi, Typherix) will give protection for three years. In some countries, the oral vaccine Vivotif
is also available.
Yellow Fever
Yellow-fever vaccination is not required for any areas of the Peninsula, but any traveller coming from a country where
yellow fever is found will need to show a vaccination certificate at immigration.
The yellow-fever vaccination must be given at an approved clinic, and is valid for 10 years. It is a live vaccine and
must not be given to immunocompromised or pregnant travellers.
CALL ME A CAB!
If you find you suddenly require urgent medical treatment on the Peninsula, don't call an ambulance, call a cab.
The ambulance services - where they exist - are usually reserved for road accidents when the victim is uncon-
scious or immobile. It's common (and much quicker) to take a taxi.
Environmental Hazards
Travellers' Diarrhoea
Prevention
» Avoid tap water
» Eat fresh fruit or vegetables you have peeled yourself or eat cooked produce
» Avoid dairy products that might contain unpasteurised milk or have been refrozen after defrosting.
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