"Don't go for a walk in Africa, children," K.I. Chukovsky urges in a famous work. We suggest not to deny yourself this pleasure if you really want to. But keep in mind the precautions!
The doctors of the Clinic of Tropical Medicine told us how dangerous traveling to African countries can be, and how to avoid trouble.
.1. Malaria
It is caused by parasitic protozoa plasmodia. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of a female mosquito (Anopheles). The parasites multiply in the liver, infect red blood cells, which leads to cycles of fever, chills and sweat, accompanied by anemia. Malaria is widespread in more than a hundred countries around the world, mostly tropical.
Specific prevention: taking antimalarial drugs.
2. Yellow fever
Mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease. The severity ranges from flu-like symptoms to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. It is found only in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.
Specific prevention: vaccination.
3. Dengue fever
Mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease, mainly found in urban environments. It is manifested by a sudden onset of fever and severe headache, sometimes accompanied by severe bleeding and shock, which leads to death in 5% of cases.
Prevention – the use of repellents, avoiding bites.
4. Chikungunya
Mosquito-borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease, mainly found in urban environments. It is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, rash and severe joint pain, usually lasting 3-7 days, in rare cases leading to persistent arthritis.
Prevention - the use of repellents, avoiding bites.
5. Hepatitis A
A viral disease that causes damage to liver cells. It is transmitted through food or water contaminated with faeces, usually in areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms: fever, jaundice, diarrhea. 15% of patients experience symptoms within 6-9 months.⠀ Hygiene, thorough hand washing reduce the risk of infection⠀
Specific prevention: vaccination
6. Hepatitis E
A viral disease that causes liver damage. It is most often transmitted through drinking water contaminated with faeces. Symptoms: fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine. Hygiene, thorough hand washing reduce the risk of infection
There is no specific prevention
7. Typhoid fever
A bacterial disease transmitted by contact with food or water contaminated with faeces or sewage. Symptoms: persistent high fever, loose stools, rash on the body. If left untreated, mortality can reach 20%.⠀ Hygiene and careful hand washing reduce the risk of infection⠀
Specific prevention: vaccination
8. Meningococcal meningitis
A bacterial disease that causes inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted by airborne droplets from sick or asymptomatic carriers. The pathogen Neisseria meningitidis is capable of causing epidemics. South of the Sahara, from Senegal east to Ethiopia, there is a hyperendemic region, the "meningitis belt." Symptoms: neck muscle stiffness, fever, headache and vomiting. If the disease is detected, an antibiotic should be prescribed urgently.
Specific prevention: vaccination
9. Rabies
A deadly viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most often a dog. The virus infects the central nervous system, causing death. Symptoms: fever and headache, followed by hydrophobia, fear of fresh air, hypersensitivity to light and sounds (noise can cause muscle cramps in the extremities). Death occurs within a few days.⠀
Specific prevention: vaccination
If you are going on an exotic trip, get personal recommendations from a doctor at the EMC Tropical Medicine Clinic.
Questions and answers
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