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…
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 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,…
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,…
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…
Risk areas for Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a very infectious virus which affects the liver and can be life-threatening. Long-lasting infection can lead to chronic liver disease and even cancer many years later. It is a worldwide problem. There are thought to be 350 million people who are “carriers” of the hepatitis B virus.…
Risk areas for Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is a virus which affects the liver. Occasionally it is severe enough to cause liver failure, with 2% of cases in adults being fatal. Children often have no symptoms. Symptoms Fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach discomfort, the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow.…
Risk areas for Diphtheria Diphtheria is an infection caused by bacteria. It mainly affects the nose and throat, but can also affect the skin. It is very infectious and can become serious very quickly. Most cases occur in people who have never had a diphtheria vaccine, or who did not complete the initial course. Symptoms…
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms Symptoms can include a high temperature or shivering, coughing, loss or change to sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath, headache, aches, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, and loss of appetite amongst others. How do you catch Covid 19? …