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Revision as of 11:11, 18 September 2013
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===Information sources===
===Information sources===
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There are many sources of additional information for travelers:
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There are many sources of additional information for travellers:
* The US government, [http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm Centre for Disease Control]
* The US government, [http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm Centre for Disease Control]
* The [http://www.istm.org/ International Society for Travel Medicine] has an index of travel medicine clinics
* The [http://www.istm.org/ International Society for Travel Medicine] has an index of travel medicine clinics
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**[[Malaria]] - a parasitic infection transmitted by infective mosquitoes, malarial infections require immediate qualified diagnosis and treatment, preventatives and treatments are available - no vaccine is available
**[[Malaria]] - a parasitic infection transmitted by infective mosquitoes, malarial infections require immediate qualified diagnosis and treatment, preventatives and treatments are available - no vaccine is available
**[[Yellow fever]] - vaccine available
**[[Yellow fever]] - vaccine available
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**[[Dengue fever]] - a mosquito borne febrile virus transmitted by an infective Aedes aegypti or Aedes africanus mosquito. Causes high fever, headache, joint and muscle pain and may in some cases lead to a more severe manifestation, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Occurs in many tropical countries and is the most important tropical infectious disease after malaria and the worlds most serious (human) arbovirus disease. DHF infections require immediate qualified diagnosis and treatment - no vaccine is available
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**[[Dengue fever]] - a mosquito borne febrile virus transmitted by an infective ''Aedes aegypti'' or ''Aedes africanus'' mosquito. Causes high fever, headache, joint and muscle pain and may in some cases lead to a more severe manifestation, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Occurs in many tropical countries and is the most important tropical infectious disease after malaria and the worlds most serious (human) arbovirus disease. DHF infections require immediate qualified diagnosis and treatment - no vaccine is available
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**Chikungunya (CHIKV)- also known as epidemic polyarthritis and rash, and buggy creek virus. A febrile virus transmitted, like dengue by an infective Aedes aegypti or Aedes africanus mosquito. After 3-12 days flu-like symptoms develop including severe headaches, chills, fever, joint pain, nausea and vomiting - no vaccine is available
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**Chikungunya (CHIKV)- also known as epidemic polyarthritis and rash, and buggy creek virus. A febrile virus transmitted, like dengue by an infective ''Aedes aegypti'' or ''Aedes africanus'' mosquito. After 3-12 days flu-like symptoms develop including severe headaches, chills, fever, joint pain, nausea and vomiting - no vaccine is available
**[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filariasis Filariasis]
**[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filariasis Filariasis]
**[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalitis Encephalitis]
**[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalitis Encephalitis]
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===Water (or contaminated food)===
===Water (or contaminated food)===
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*'''Cryptosporidiosis/Cryptosporidium/Crypto'''. Found worldwide, this disease is an untreated and chlorine treated water risk. It can even be spread if an infected person bathes in a treated public swimming pool. It causes diarrhea, cramps and fever. Last about 10 days but feces carry infection for weeks. Prevention by avoiding mouth coming into contact with infected water or fecal matter and maintaining scrupulous toilet and bathing hygiene after being infected to prevent reinfection of self or others. There is no cure. Prevented by boiling all drinking water, including tap water, in infected areas.
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*'''Cryptosporidiosis/Cryptosporidium/Crypto'''. Found worldwide, this disease is an untreated and chlorine treated water risk. It can even be spread if an infected person bathes in a treated public swimming pool. It causes diarrhoea, cramps and fever. Last about 10 days but faeces carry infection for weeks. Prevention by avoiding mouth coming into contact with infected water or faecal matter and maintaining scrupulous toilet and bathing hygiene after being infected to prevent reinfection of self or others. There is no cure. Prevented by boiling all drinking water, including tap water, in infected areas.
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*'''[[Diarrhea]]''', typically caused by bacteria in food or drinks. Also known as Delhi Belly, Montezuma's Revenge, and so on, this is the most common ailment of all for travellers. Extreme forms include '''cholera''' (watery massive diarrhoea) and '''dysentery''' (bloody diarrhoea). A cholera vaccine is available, but rarely used due to its ineffectiveness and the unlikelihood of the average traveller contracting the disease.
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*'''[[Diarrhoea]]''', typically caused by bacteria in food or drinks. Also known as Delhi Belly, Montezuma's Revenge, and so on, this is the most common ailment of all for travellers. Extreme forms include '''cholera''' (watery massive diarrhoea) and '''dysentery''' (bloody diarrhoea). A cholera vaccine is available, but rarely used due to its ineffectiveness and the unlikelihood of the average traveller contracting the disease.
*'''Hepatitis A'''. Can be spread by food contaminated with faeces (unwashed hands), where the virus remains active for days. Symptoms may not appear for a month after infection, and may continue for as long as six months. Hepatitis A is common almost everywhere except in countries with a high standard of hygiene (see map of areas with high infection rates: [http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/faqa.htm US CDC FAQ]). A vaccine is available for hepatitis A, but this will not protect against the more virulent forms of hepatitis, such as B C.
*'''Hepatitis A'''. Can be spread by food contaminated with faeces (unwashed hands), where the virus remains active for days. Symptoms may not appear for a month after infection, and may continue for as long as six months. Hepatitis A is common almost everywhere except in countries with a high standard of hygiene (see map of areas with high infection rates: [http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/faqa.htm US CDC FAQ]). A vaccine is available for hepatitis A, but this will not protect against the more virulent forms of hepatitis, such as B C.
*[http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/typhoid.htm '''Typhoid fever'''] is caused by ''Salmonella enterica typhi'' bacteria. It causes high fever, headache, a general malaise and other symptoms and is a general health problem in all less developed countries. Transmission is by contaminated food and water, especially in rural areas. A vaccination is available but offers no absolute safety, so the best options are precautions with what you drink and eat.
*[http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/typhoid.htm '''Typhoid fever'''] is caused by ''Salmonella enterica typhi'' bacteria. It causes high fever, headache, a general malaise and other symptoms and is a general health problem in all less developed countries. Transmission is by contaminated food and water, especially in rural areas. A vaccination is available but offers no absolute safety, so the best options are precautions with what you drink and eat.
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===Others===
===Others===
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*'''Avian Influenza'''. A viral infection normally affecting birds but the Avian Influenza A virus has also been found, albeit extremely rarely, in some human infections. Current outbreaks among animals occurred in South-East Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam). The disease is transmitted to humans by contact with infected birds (especially poultry) and their excrements and may cause serious disease. Precautions include avoiding contact to wild birds and their excrements (as far as this is possible...). Avian influenza infection appears frequently in the news because it could be a source for new influenza strains to which no one has immunity and which have the potential to evolve to cause deadly epidemics. However, from the traveler's perspective the personal risk from avian influenza is extremely low. Travelers should obey recommendations on contact with poultry as a matter of civic duty, to prevent spreading the avian disease to birds in other countries. There is no vaccination available at the moment.
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*'''Avian Influenza'''. A viral infection normally affecting birds but the Avian Influenza A virus has also been found, albeit extremely rarely, in some human infections. Current outbreaks among animals occurred in South-East Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam). The disease is transmitted to humans by contact with infected birds (especially poultry) and their excrements and may cause serious disease. Precautions include avoiding contact to wild birds and their excrements (as far as this is possible...). Avian influenza infection appears frequently in the news because it could be a source for new influenza strains to which no one has immunity and which have the potential to evolve to cause deadly epidemics. However, from the traveller's perspective the personal risk from avian influenza is extremely low. Travellers should obey recommendations on contact with poultry as a matter of civic duty, to prevent spreading the avian disease to birds in other countries. There is no vaccination available at the moment.
*'''Ebola'''. Found largely in West Sub-Saharan Africa after contact with infected primates (human and non-human), this disease is fatal if not treated aggressively and early and has a 50-90% fatality rate. Get to a hospital immediately upon experiencing symptoms.
*'''Ebola'''. Found largely in West Sub-Saharan Africa after contact with infected primates (human and non-human), this disease is fatal if not treated aggressively and early and has a 50-90% fatality rate. Get to a hospital immediately upon experiencing symptoms.
*'''Hepatitis B and C'''. Can be spread by entry of blood or bodily fluids from an infected person into the body, such as through sexual contact, sharing of hypodermic needles, or blood transfusion or organ donation (theoretically, if screening were not performed). Unlike Hepatitis A, "Hepatitis B is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing or by casual contact" ([http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/faqb.htm US CDC FAQ]) A vaccine is available to prevent Hepatitis B, but no vaccine is available to protect against Hepatitis C.
*'''Hepatitis B and C'''. Can be spread by entry of blood or bodily fluids from an infected person into the body, such as through sexual contact, sharing of hypodermic needles, or blood transfusion or organ donation (theoretically, if screening were not performed). Unlike Hepatitis A, "Hepatitis B is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing or by casual contact" ([http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/faqb.htm US CDC FAQ]) A vaccine is available to prevent Hepatitis B, but no vaccine is available to protect against Hepatitis C.
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*'''Influenza'''. The common '''Flu''' kills an estimated 36,000 Americans each year, and results in 200,000 hospitalizations per year. ([http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease.htm CDC Flu Page]) As a general precaution an annual vaccination is often recommended for the latest strains prevalent in the countries you are visiting.
*'''Influenza'''. The common '''Flu''' kills an estimated 36,000 Americans each year, and results in 200,000 hospitalizations per year. ([http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease.htm CDC Flu Page]) As a general precaution an annual vaccination is often recommended for the latest strains prevalent in the countries you are visiting.
*'''Lassa fever'''. An acute viral illness that occurs in [[West Africa]]. In areas of Africa where the disease is endemic (that is, constantly present), Lassa fever is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. While Lassa fever is mild or has no observable symptoms in about 80% of people infected with the virus, the remaining 20% have a severe multisystem disease. Lassa fever is also associated with occasional epidemics, during which the case-fatality rate can reach 50%.
*'''Lassa fever'''. An acute viral illness that occurs in [[West Africa]]. In areas of Africa where the disease is endemic (that is, constantly present), Lassa fever is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. While Lassa fever is mild or has no observable symptoms in about 80% of people infected with the virus, the remaining 20% have a severe multisystem disease. Lassa fever is also associated with occasional epidemics, during which the case-fatality rate can reach 50%.
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*'''Polio'''. Causes paralysis and nerve damage - easily preventable by an oral vaccination that should normally be given in early childhood. Although polio was nearly eradicated in recent years, it is currently experiencing a resurgence in several nations, so travelers should be sure that they have received proper vaccination and boosters.
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*'''Polio'''. Causes paralysis and nerve damage - easily preventable by an oral vaccination that should normally be given in early childhood. Although polio was nearly eradicated in recent years, it is currently experiencing a resurgence in several nations, so travellers should be sure that they have received proper vaccination and boosters.
[[File:Rabies Free Countries Sourced 2010.svg|thumb|Rabies-free territories]]
[[File:Rabies Free Countries Sourced 2010.svg|thumb|Rabies-free territories]]
*'''Rabies'''. Although not limited to the tropics, rabies is an horrific disease which is invariably fatal once symptoms develop. All warm-blooded creatures are capable of infecting you with rabies--including bats.
*'''Rabies'''. Although not limited to the tropics, rabies is an horrific disease which is invariably fatal once symptoms develop. All warm-blooded creatures are capable of infecting you with rabies--including bats.
:If you have any suspicion that you have been bitten or infected, thoroughly wash the wound as soon as possible with soap and water for several minutes and use a virus killing antiseptic such as iodine tincture. Alcohol is also good - the stronger the better. Also, flush your mouth, nose and eyes well with water in case drops of saliva have hit them. Seek proper medical care as a matter of extreme urgency.
:If you have any suspicion that you have been bitten or infected, thoroughly wash the wound as soon as possible with soap and water for several minutes and use a virus killing antiseptic such as iodine tincture. Alcohol is also good - the stronger the better. Also, flush your mouth, nose and eyes well with water in case drops of saliva have hit them. Seek proper medical care as a matter of extreme urgency.
:Slow transport or missing medical facilities may mean victims are not able to be quickly treated after being infected, usually by being bitten by an animal carrier. However, a course of three vaccinations before travel buys you more time, and will reduce your treatment cost by thousands. '''Warning: Unlike many other vaccines, this does NOT provide immunity. You MUST seek treatment.''' Almost all of the estimated 25,000 annual human deaths are in Asia and Africa, but ''quick'' treatment after infection is completely effective and will save your life.
:Slow transport or missing medical facilities may mean victims are not able to be quickly treated after being infected, usually by being bitten by an animal carrier. However, a course of three vaccinations before travel buys you more time, and will reduce your treatment cost by thousands. '''Warning: Unlike many other vaccines, this does NOT provide immunity. You MUST seek treatment.''' Almost all of the estimated 25,000 annual human deaths are in Asia and Africa, but ''quick'' treatment after infection is completely effective and will save your life.
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*'''SARS'''. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Caused by a common ''Corona virus'' that apparently crossed species and was highly infectious. Only a problem if undiagnosed travelers travel and spread the disease. Its control is an example of how unidentified (new) diseases can be controlled by simple but burdensome public health measures.
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*'''SARS'''. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Caused by a common ''Corona virus'' that apparently crossed species and was highly infectious. Its control is an example of how unidentified (new) diseases can be controlled by simple but burdensome public health measures.
*'''Tuberculosis'''. A ''third world disease'' due to poverty and poor health care. Can occur in first world countries where the health care system makes treatment expensive - generally responds to antibiotics but mis/incomplete treatment in some countries means antibiotic resistant strains are also a problem.
*'''Tuberculosis'''. A ''third world disease'' due to poverty and poor health care. Can occur in first world countries where the health care system makes treatment expensive - generally responds to antibiotics but mis/incomplete treatment in some countries means antibiotic resistant strains are also a problem.