Varicella (Chickenpox) is a highly infectious viral disease. Most children in the UK have the disease before the age of 10. After a chickenpox infection the virus stays dormant in the body and may reactivate at a later date, causing shingles. Chickenpox for most children is a mild, self-limiting disease; adults are more prone to…
Risk areas for Typhoid Fever Typhoid Fever is a disease of the bowel and bloodstream, caused by a bacteria which only infects humans. It is a problem in countries with poor sanitation or a lack of clean water. Most cases in travellers are in those who have visited India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, but typhoid is…
Risk areas for Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Tick-borne encephalitis is a virus that affects the nervous system. Approximately one third of people infected may develop a severe form of the illness that can cause long term complications or even be fatal. The severity of the disease increases with age. Symptoms Flu-type symptoms at first. Symptoms of…
Risk areas for Tetanus Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that releases a powerful toxin (poison) into the body. It is a serious disease, which can be fatal even with medical treatment. In developed countries, such as the UK, tetanus is rare due to vaccination programmes, but it is found worldwide. Symptoms Symptoms include fever,…
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. Symptoms Symptoms can include: a runny or blocked nose, a cough, sneezing, tiredness, a high temperature. Usually mild and self-limiting RSV can be severe in infants and older adults who are at increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection, including bronchiolitis in infants.…
Risk areas for Rabies Rabies is a viral infection which affects, and is carried by, warm-blooded animals (mammals), including bats. Once a person has been infected, the virus travels to the brain and spinal cord. By the time symptoms in humans appear, rabies is invariably fatal, as there is no cure. Symptoms Fever, headache, fatigue,…
Risk areas for Polio Poliomyelitis (Polio) infection is caused by a virus which affects the nervous system and can lead to permanent paralysis, usually of the legs. Only a few cases become more serious. Most people infected will have very mild symptoms, or none at all. Symptoms Fever, tiredness, headache, vomiting, muscle stiffness in back…
Risk areas for Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) is an infection caused by a bacteria or virus, which affects the brain and spinal cord. There are different forms of meningitis – A, C, W, Y and B are the most common. Left untreated it has a very high fatality rate. Symptoms Sudden fever, intense…
Risk areas for Japanese Encephalitis Japanese encephalitis is a virus that can cause inflammation of the brain. Most cases occur in Asia – it is not found in Africa or Central or South America. The infection is quite rare, but the serious form has a fatality rate of 30%. There is a major outbreak of…
Flu (influenza) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Symptoms Symptoms can include; a sudden fever, headache, aches, sore throat and a dry chesty cough. How do you catch Influenza? Flu is spread by coughs, sneezes and contact with those who already have the disease Incubation period 1 to 4 days Diagnosis Based…