Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 will give protection for at least five years. It can be given over four weeks or
six months.
HIV
Human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS), is a significant problem in the region. The virus is spread through in-
fected 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 medical,
dental, acupuncture and other body-piercing procedures, and through sharing used intra-
venous needles. At present there is no cure; medication that might keep the disease under
control is available, but these drugs are often unavailable for most locals and 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 antibodies to appear in the blood.
Malaria
Malaria is prevalent in all three countries, and is especially a risk in Mozambique. Taking
prophylaxis or otherwise protecting yourself from bites is very important. Infection rates
are higher during the rainy season, but the risk exists year-round and it is extremely im-
portant to take preventative measures, even if you will just be travelling for a short time.
Malaria is caused by a parasite in the bloodstream spread via the bite of the female
Anopheles mosquito. There are several types of malaria, falciparum malaria being the
most dangerous type and the predominant form in parts of the region. Infection rates vary
with season and climate, so check out the situation before departure. Unlike most other
diseases regularly encountered by travellers, there is no vaccination against malaria.
However, several different drugs are used to prevent malaria and new ones are in the
pipeline. Up-to-date advice from a travel-health clinic is essential as some medication is
more suitable for some travellers than others. The pattern of drug-resistant malaria is
changing rapidly, so what was advised several years ago might no longer be the case.
Malaria can present in several ways. The early stages include headaches, fevers, gener-
alised aches and pains, and malaise, which could be mistaken for flu. Other symptoms can
include abdominal pain, diarrhoea and a cough. Anyone who develops a fever in a malari-
al area should assume malarial infection until a blood test proves negative, even if you
have been taking antimalarial medication. If not treated, the next stage could develop
