Cholera
What is Cholera? It is a bacterial infection that causes painless but profuse watery diarrhoea which rapidly leads to dehydration. Vomiting and leg cramps may also occur. The symptoms are usually mild. But profuse diarrhoea can lead to death if not treated promptly. The Cholera bacteria are usually spread by water or food contaminated with […]
More InfoDengue Fever
What is Dengue Fever? Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by a special species of mosquito. It causes a severe flu-like illness with sudden onset of fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain. Rash can also develop 3 to 5 days after the fever. Spontaneous recovery usually occurs, although recovery […]
More InfoHepatitis A
What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is viral disease which is frequently found throughout the developing world and tropical areas. It is spread by poor hygiene from person to person, or by contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water, or from fruits, vegetable or other foods which are eaten uncooked, which may be […]
More InfoHepatitis B
What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a viral infection. Symptoms are loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal discomfort, followed within a few days by jaundice. The course of illness is usually 4 weeks, and rarely, it can be fatal. About 5% of adults remains carriers after acute infection, which can lead to liver cirrhosis […]
More InfoInfluenza
What is Influenza? Influenza is the most common vaccine preventable illness in travellers. This is due to travel in large groups to tourist areas with exposure to people from all over the world, as well as the lack of influenza programs in developing countries. Vaccination should be strongly considered, especially if travelling in the influenza season […]
More InfoJapanese Encephalitis
What is Japanese Encephalitis? This is a virus infection that causes a severe flu-like illness with prominent headache, neck stiffness, confusion and coma. Death rates may be up to 30% or higher and long term brain damage is common. It is spread mostly in rural area where conditions favour breeding of mosquito that carries the […]
More InfoMalaria
Malaria is an illness caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of certain mosquitoes. The risk of malaria depends on the traveller's itinerary, the duration of travel, and the place where the traveller will spend the evenings and nights. These factors will be assessed during your consultation.
More InfoMeasles Mumps Rubella
What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. Serious and sometimes fatal complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation). Measles is rare in Australia because of the widespread use of the measles vaccine. However many adults have missed the disease and vaccination, and should therefore be vaccinated […]
More InfoMeningitis
What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an infection of the brain that is spread from person to person via respiratory transmission. It occurs in all countries but is particularly a risk in sub-Sahara Africa, Northern India and Nepal, Brazil, Chile and Mongolia. There may be epidemics from time to time in other areas and your travel […]
More InfoPolio
What is Polio? Polio (or Poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. Minor symptoms such as fever and a soar throat and headache, neck stiffness and pains in the arms and legs may present. In more significant cases there is muscle weakness resulting in an inability to move. Prevention The disease is preventable with the polio vaccine.
More InfoRabies
What is Rabies? Rabies is a viral disease of animals which may be transmitted to humans through bites from the saliva of the infected animals, usually dogs, cats or monkeys. In humans the disease is almost 100% fatal. Travellers should assume all mammals are rabies carriers especially in the high endemic areas, like South East […]
More InfoTetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
What is Tetanus? Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis is recommended if you haven’t received one in the last 10 years, due to increasing frequent pertussis outbreaks worldwide. Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease that causes muscle spasms and breathing problems. Tetanus is uncommon in Australia because of the widespread use of the tetanus vaccine. Some types of wounds are more […]
More InfoTuberculosis
What is Tuberculosis? Tuberculosis is an infection due to a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The symptoms includes fever, night sweats, lethargy, cough with blood stained sputum and weight loss. Sometimes, it causes no symptoms and can only be detected by investigation like chest x-ray. To become infected, one would have to spend a long time […]
More InfoTyphoid
Typhoid is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. Illness is usually characterised by fever, loss of appetite, lethargy and change in bowel habit. Constipation is common, but diarrhoea can also occur. Without treatment the illness can be fatal, with perforation of the gut producing peritonitis or severe bleeding. Transmission is by ingesting contaminated food and water. Contamination is most likely when cooked food is handled or left unrefrigerated.
More InfoYellow Fever
What is Yellow Fever? Yellow fever is a mosquito-spread viral disease that exists in some parts of Africa and South America. The disease has a fatality rate of 60%. The symptoms include fever, vomiting, jaundice and kidney disease. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in travellers, however preventive measures must be carried […]
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