Planning a trip to Africa? This is what you should know
Travellers to Africa go for a variety of reasons. The idea of spending time in nature on a safari or experiencing African cuisine and culture entices many tourists to vacation in Africa. Other travellers head to Africa for business or volunteer work. Destinations like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Cairo or Marrakesh welcome many visitors each year. Whether you plan to visit Africa for a few days, weeks, or longer, your stay in Africa could be dampened by sickness. There are many notable communicable diseases in regions of Africa that range from mild to severe.
Below you will find a general list of the vaccinations you should consider getting before you travel anywhere in Africa:
Hepatitis A
This is a highly communicable disease found in many African countries, especially developing ones. Hepatitis A is often contracted through contaminated food and water but can also be transmitted through physical contact. Some of the symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and loss of appetite. While Hepatitis A is one of the most easily contracted diseases, the good news is that it is among the most preventable. By taking the Hepatitis A vaccine, you can eliminate the risk of contracting the disease during your trip.
Hepatitis B
People who travel as missionaries, volunteers and military personnel are at risk of contracting the disease. Transmitted through blood, contaminated medical instruments or unprotected sex, Hepatitis B is a viral disease that comes with a host of symptoms that include sudden fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain and jaundice. Hepatitis B can become chronic in some individuals and lead to liver disease and cancer.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease transmitted through ingesting contaminated water or food. It is very rare in developed countries but is present in many parts of the developing world like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of Asia and Africa. Cholera causes diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If the disease is untreated, severe dehydration may occur and lead to death.
Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a grave bacterial infection that affects the brain and can be transmitted through saliva and respiratory secretions. The disease is present all over the world but is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Common symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and diminished reflexes. If the bacteria infects the blood, it can cause vomiting, cold hands and feet, chills, aches and pains, diarrhea, and a dark purple rash. Receiving a meningitis vaccine is your best defence against contracting this serious disease. Some countries in Africa require proof of vaccination before entry is granted.
Rabies
The Rabies virus is found everywhere in the world and can be transmitted to humans from the saliva of infected animals. Being licked, scratched, or bitten by an infected animal can cause serious health problems. Rabies affects the central nervous system and can lead to brain disease and death. Medical attention should be sought immediately after coming into contact with the disease, even if you are vaccinated against rabies.
Typhoid fever
Spread through contaminated food and water, typhoid is present in developing countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Travellers to these regions should take note of this and take a typhoid vaccination to prevent this serious disease. Symptoms associated with typhoid include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite. Internal bleeding and death can occur; however, this is rare.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever can develop into a serious illness that causes bleeding, shock, organ failure, and death. It is caused by a virus spread through mosquitoes found in South America and Africa. Many countries in these areas require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry or re-entry.
Without the right travel vaccinations and travel medications, you will be at risk of becoming very ill. And if you are going to spend time outdoors in rural or subtropical regions of an African country, your risk for disease becomes significantly higher. This is why the Royal Travel Clinic offers travel vaccinations and medications to individuals travelling to Africa.
Trust us to keep you protected from disease during your travel to the African continent.
Disclaimer:
All of the materials presented on this website are intended for information purposes only. It is in no way intended to replace professional medical travel consultation by a qualified medical practitioner.
