Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cholera
Cholera is usually only a problem during natural or artificial disasters, eg war, floods or
earthquakes, although small outbreaks can also occur at other times. Travellers are rarely
affected. It's caused by a bacteria and spread via contaminated drinking water. The main
symptom is profuse watery diarrhoea, which causes debilitation if fluids are not replaced
quickly. An oral cholera vaccine is available in the USA, but it's not particularly effective.
Most cases of cholera could be avoided by close attention to good drinking water and by
avoiding potentially contaminated food. Treatment is by fluid replacement (orally or via a
drip), but sometimes antibiotics are needed. Self-treatment isn't advised.
Dengue Fever (Break-Bone Fever)
Spread through the bite of the mosquito, dengue fever causes a feverish illness with head-
ache and muscle pains similar to those experienced with a bad, prolonged attack of influ-
enza. There might be a rash. Mosquito bites should be avoided whenever possible. Self-
treatment: paracetamol and rest. Aspirin should be avoided.
Diphtheria
Found in all of Africa, diphtheria is spread through close respiratory contact. It usually
causes a temperature and a severe sore throat. Sometimes a membrane forms across the
throat, and a tracheotomy is needed to prevent suffocation. Vaccination is recommended
for those likely to be in close contact with the local population in infected areas. More im-
portant for long stays than for short-term trips. The vaccine is given as an injection alone
or with tetanus, and lasts 10 years.
Filariasis
Tiny worms migrating in the lymphatic system cause filariasis. The bite from an infected
mosquito spreads the infection. Symptoms include localised itching and swelling of the
legs and/or genitalia. Treatment is available.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food (particularly shellfish) and water. It
causes jaundice and, although it's rarely fatal, it can cause prolonged lethargy and delayed
recovery. If you've had hepatitis A, you shouldn't drink alcohol for up to six months after-
wards, but once you've recovered, there won't be any long-term problems. The first
symptoms include dark urine and a yellow colour to the whites of the eyes. Sometimes a
fever and abdominal pain might be present. Hepatitis A vaccine (Avaxim, VAQTA, Hav-
