Travellers’ diarrhea
This is one of the most common illnesses affecting those visiting developing countries. The condition is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with certain bacteria, so travellers should avoid foods that haven’t been thoroughly cooked or that have been left out at room temperature. Travellers with diarrhea should drink regularly to avoid dehydration and seek medical attention if necessary.
Malaria
This is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes in tropical countries, and can be fatal. After being bitten by mosquitoes infected with a parasite called Plasmodium, people start to experience fever, headache, and vomiting. If not treated, malaria disrupts the blood supply to vital organs and becomes life-threatening. Malaria exists in more than 100 countries, but most cases and deaths are in sub-Saharan Africa. Before heading to areas with high rates of the disease, travellers should take preventive medication prescribed by a doctor.
Dengue
This is a virus spread by mosquitoes in southeast Asia, the Caribbean and South America. Those infected suffer fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and, in some cases, a rash. The illness usually lasts a few days and serious complications are uncommon. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for dengue.
Hepatitis A
Travellers can acquire this virus through food or water contaminated by human feces, so they should be wary of foods grown close to the ground such as lettuce and strawberries. Crustaceans that feed on the seabed, such as oysters and clams, should be avoided too. At the onset of the disease, those infected suffer malaise, loss of appetite, nausea and fever. Jaundice later sets in. Before heading to developing countries, travellers should get a hepatitis A vaccine.
Hepatitis B
This virus is spread through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and use of contaminated needles as well as unsterilized medical and dental equipment. Those infected with hepatitis B suffer flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pains and, later, jaundice. In some cases, hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer. Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands are high-risk areas. A vaccine is available.
Typhoid
This disease is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which is found in food and water in areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea. In some cases, typhoid can be fatal. A vaccination is available. India has the highest incidence of typhoid in the world.
Yellow fever
This virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes in tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Early symptoms include, fever, headache, achiness, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, yellow fever can lead to organ failure and death. The disease is preventable by vaccination, and many developing countries require visitors to provide proof of vaccination.
Rabies
This virus attacks the central nervous system, and when it reaches the brain it causes swelling and death. Humans catch the virus through the saliva of infected animals including dogs and bats. Those infected experience flu-like symptoms then start to show signs of anxiety, confusion, insomnia, agitation, hallucinations and hyperactivity or paralysis. Vaccination is advised before visiting high-risk areas such as Africa, Asia and South America. A traveller who is bitten or scratched by an infected animal should wash the wound with soap and water and get medical care right away.
Meningitis
This is bacterial infection leads to inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal column. Those infected suffer a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting. The germs are passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and intimate kissing. Travellers are advised to get vaccinated before travelling to high-risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, where there are annual outbreaks.
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