Risk areas for Whooping Cough Whooping cough (pertussis) – Travellers around the world should watch out for this menacing microbe that affects the lungs and airways. Following initial cold-like symptoms, it causes cough bouts which can last for several months and may leave you gasping for breath. Symptoms Symptoms start with a runny nose, sore…
Risk areas for Zika Virus Zika is an infection caused by a virus. The illness is usually mild and does not last long. Zika is known to affect brain development in babies whose mothers had the infection during pregnancy, with many cases being reported in Brazil. These babies have been born with microcephaly – they…
Risk areas for Travellers’ Diarrhoea Travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) is a common travel related illness that can affect between 20-60% of people who visit less-developed countries. Most cases of TD settle in a few days but occasionally the symptoms may last for a month or longer. Symptoms Watery or loose diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fever. How…
Shingles (also known as Shingles Herpes Zoster) is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV) -the same virus which causes chickenpox. Symptoms The first signs of shingles can be an itching, tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin and a headache/generally feeling unwell. The rash (fluid-filled blisters) forms a few days later on…
Risk areas for Pneumococcal Pneumonia Pneumococcal Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection affecting the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Each year in the UK, 8 in every 1000 adults develop pneumonia (around 220,000 people per year) and approximately 29,000 people die. Symptoms Common symptoms are a persistent cough, fever, breathlessness, feeling generally unwell,…
Risk areas for Measles Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) is a highly contagious virus found in many countries. Travel is a major factor in the spread of the virus, and outbreaks are reported worldwide. Measles is one of the leading causes of childhood deaths globally Symptoms High fever lasting 4-7 days, conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough…
Risk areas for Malaria Malaria is a serious illness caused by a parasite which infects red blood cells. The risk of malaria differs from region to region and from traveller to traveller within a single country. The season of travel, geographical location, accommodation and activities can affect the risk. Other factors are human immunity to…
Risk areas for Dengue Fever Dengue fever is a viral infection that causes a severe flu-like illness. It is commonly found in more than 100 countries worldwide and can occur in both rural and urban areas. About half of the world’s population is thought to live in areas with a risk of dengue fever. Symptoms…
Risk areas for Chikungunya Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus. It is widespread in many continents, particularly Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It has also been reported in parts of the Americas and some European countries, including Italy and France. Most epidemics occur during the rainy season. Symptoms Fever and severe joint…
Risk areas for Yellow Fever Yellow fever is a virus that can cause a flu-like illness. It can develop into a more serious illness which has a high fatality rate. Large outbreaks can occur – International Health Regulations are in place to help prevent the disease spreading. It is rare in travellers – the last…