Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
STAND-BY TREATMENT
If you're planning a journey through a malarial area, particularly where falciparum mal-
aria predominates, consider taking stand-by treatment. Emergency stand-by treatment
should be seen as emergency treatment aimed at saving the patient's life and not as routine
self- medication. It should be used only if you'll be far from medical facilities and have
been advised about the symptoms of malaria and how to use the medication. Medical ad-
vice should be sought as soon as possible to confirm whether the treatment has been suc-
cessful.
The type of stand-by treatment used will depend on local conditions, such as drug res-
istance, and on what antimalarial drugs were being used before stand-by treatment. This is
worthwhile because you want to avoid contracting a particularly serious form such as
cerebral malaria, which affects the brain and central nervous system and can be fatal in 24
hours. As mentioned earlier, self-diagnostic kits, which can identify malaria in the blood
from a finger prick, are also available in the West.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal infection is spread through close respiratory contact and is more likely in
crowded situations, such as buses. Infection is uncommon in travellers. Vaccination is re-
commended for long stays and is especially important towards the end of the dry season.
Symptoms include a fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and a red rash. Immediate
medical treatment is necessary.
The ACWY vaccine is recommended for all travellers in sub-Saharan Africa. This vac-
cine is different from the meningococcal meningitis C vaccine given to children and ad-
olescents in some countries; it's safe to be given both types of vaccine.
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
This is caused by the larvae of a tiny worm, which is spread by the bite of a small fly. The
earliest sign of infection is intensely itchy, red, sore eyes. Travellers are rarely severely af-
fected. Treatment in a specialised clinic is curative.
Poliomyelitis
Generally spread through contaminated food and water. It's one of the vaccines given in
childhood and should be boosted every 10 years, either orally (a drop on the tongue) or as
an injection. Polio can be carried asymptomatically (ie showing no symptoms) and could
cause a transient fever. In rare cases it causes weakness or paralysis of one or more
muscles, which might be permanent.
