Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
risk should be immunised. Many countries now routinely give hepatitis B as part of routine childhood vaccinations. It is
given singly or can be given at the same time as hepatitis A (Hepatyrix). A course 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 an
enormous problem throughout Africa, but is most acutely felt in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus is spread through infec-
ted blood and blood products, by sexual intercourse with an infected partner and from an infected mother to her baby
during childbirth and breast-feeding. It can be spread through 'blood to blood' contacts, such as with contaminated in-
struments during medical, dental, acupuncture and other body-piercing procedures, and through sharing used intraven-
ous 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 re-
quired to allow antibodies to appear in the blood.
Leptospirosis
Cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Réunion. It spreads through the excreta of infected rodents, especially rats.
It can cause hepatitis and renal failure, which might be fatal. Symptoms include flu-like fever, headaches, muscle aches
and red eyes, among others. Avoid swimming or walking in stagnant waters.
Malaria
The risk of malaria in Mauritius and Réunion is extremely low; there is no risk in the Seychelles.
Rabies
Rabies is spread by receiving the bites or licks of an infected animal on broken skin. In Mauritius, Réunion and
Seychelles the risk is mainly from dogs. It is always fatal once the clinical symptoms start (which might be up to several
months after an infected bite), so post-bite vaccination should be given as soon as possible. Post-bite vaccination
(whether or not you've been vaccinated before the bite) prevents the virus from spreading to the central nervous system.
Three preventive injections are needed over a month. If you have not been vaccinated, you will need a course of five in-
jections starting 24 hours after being bitten or as soon as possible after the injury. If you have been vaccinated, you will
need fewer post-bite injections, and have more time to seek medical help.
Travellers' Diarrhoea
Although it's not inevitable that you will get diarrhoea while travelling in the region, it's certainly possible. Sometimes
dietary changes, such as increased spices or oils, are the cause. To avoid diarrhoea, only eat fresh fruits or vegetables if
cooked or peeled, and be wary of dairy products that might contain unpasteurised milk. Although freshly cooked food
can often be a safe option, plates or serving utensils might be dirty, so you should be highly selective when eating food
from street vendors (make sure that cooked food is piping hot all the way through).
If you develop diarrhoea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably an oral rehydration solution containing water
(lots), and some salt and sugar. A few loose stools don't require treatment, but if you start having more than four or five
stools a day, you should start taking an antibiotic (usually a quinoline drug, such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin) and an
antidiarrhoeal agent (such as loperamide) if you are not within easy reach of a toilet. However, if diarrhoea is bloody,
