If you are travelling to Africa, the biggest risk is a disease called Schistosomiasis which is also known as Bilharzia or Snail Fever.

Schistosomiasis is a chronic illness that can cause fever, liver problems, pre-dispose to bladder cancer as snail larvae also known as cercariae penetrate through your skin and travel to your liver veins to reproduce.

In addidion to Bilhazia other diseases can also be caught from sand and soil, particularly wet soil and by insect bites.

It is therefore best never to go barefoot on the beach, paddle is fresh water streams and and always wear protective footwear.

These diseases are caused by viruses that are a lot more common in certain populations an parts of the world. These viruses can be easily transmitted by a number of routes such as.

• Blood transfusion
• Medical procedures with non-sterile equipment
• Sharing of needles (e.g. tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture and drug abuse)
• Unprotected sexual contact

Remember not to let your guard down and put yourself in situations where viral transmission is possible.

• Only accept a blood transfusion when essential and life threatening.
• If travelling to a developing country, take a sterile medical kit.
• Avoid procedures e.g. ear or body piercing, tattooing and acupuncture.
• Avoid casual sex, especially without using condoms.

Remember Alcohol can put you in situations that you wouldn’t normally be in if you were sober.

For more information about Vaccinations against Hepatitis  please follow the following links.

http://www.mytravelclinic.co.uk/travel-vaccinations/hepatitis-a/

http://www.mytravelclinic.co.uk/travel-vaccinations/hepatitis-b/

Please note there is no vaccination that currently protects you against HIV and Hepatitis C.

Mosquitoes, certain types of flies, ticks and bugs can cause transmit serious disease.

Some bite at night, but some during daytime, so protection is needed at all times.

Remember to do the following;

• Cover up as much skin as possible if going out at dusk or at night, (mosquitoes that transmit malaria bite from dusk until dawn). 
• Wear loose fitting clothes, long sleeves, trousers or long skirts and socks.
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin.
• (DEET containing products are the most effective.  A content of up to 50% DEET is recommended for tropical destinations.)  Clothes can be sprayed with repellents too or clothing specific sprays. Check suitability for children on the individual products.
• If using sunscreen always apply first followed by an insect repellent spray on top
• If room is not air conditioned, but screened, close shutters early evening and spray room with knockdown insecticide spray.
• In malarious regions, if camping, or sleeping in unprotected accommodation, always sleep under a mosquito net (impregnated with permethrin).
• Avoid camping near areas of stagnant water, these are common breeding areas for mosquitoes etc.
• Electric insecticide vaporisers are very effective as long as there are no power failures!

• There is no scientific evidence that electric buzzers, savoury yeast extract, tea tree oil, bath oils, garlic and vitamin B are effective.

Here are a few tips on how to lower your chances of spending the majority of your holiday on the loo!

1. Don’t eat in empty restaurants.
2. Get to the buffet early, and don’t eat food that’s been sitting out too long.
3. Some say Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or forget it.
4. Avoid leftovers or reheated food.
5. Eat well cooked Fresh food.
6. Make sure the meat you eat is well cooked.
7. Avoid icecream, shell fish and unpaturised milk or cheeses.
8. Avoid Street food.

As a quick rule of thumb.

1. Make sure the any water  has been boiled with a rolling boil for a few minutes
2. Drink bottled water from sealed bottles (check they have not been re-sealed!)
3. Canned Drinks (careful with too much beer!)
4. Water Treated with Sterilising agents is usually ok but follow the instructions
5. And keep your mouth shut whilst in the shower
6. Beware of Ice Cubes in your drinks that are not made with bottled water
7. Avoid using tap water to brush your teeth.

JS