It is advisable before traveling abroad to check the incidence of diseases that occur in the area. Both common and exotic. It's no worse than picking up a souvenir that will stuck you to bed after your return.
Two types of diseases
Two types of diseases might put you in danger while traveling across borders. First one is a classic disease, known also in Slovakia, but very rare. These include, for example, rabies, meningitis, typhus, hepatitis, mumps or AIDS. It is also appropriate to be interested in such diseases and take all precautionary measures to reduce the possibility that you become a victim of them.
Exotic threats
Exotic countries are a fascinating place for travelers. But in other climatic conditions, one can see different animals and might come accross different bacteria, viruses and diseases. We call these exotic diseases. It is possible to protect ourselves from them via vaccinations or prevention.
The most common travel diseases are:
The most common travel diseases are:
Amoebiasis - it is the most widespread parasite in the world. It can be found everywhere, but mostly in thecountries with low hygiene standards.
Amoebiasis - it is the most widespread parasite in the world. It can be found everywhere, but mostly in thecountries with low hygiene standards.
Anthrax - we know it as white powder in the envelope, but in fact it is a bacterium of Bacillus anthracis and it is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals or animal products.
Typhoid fever - it is an infectious disease that you can get through contact with an infected person, but also infected food, objects and water.
Brucellosis - the source of the disease is cattle and animals. Human-to-human transmission is exceptional.
Black cough - occurs all over the world and appears to be a flu. If not treated, it can cause death.
Cholera - You can get infected by water or food, or directly via contact with the infected person.
Dengue fever - transmitted by mosquitoes. You can catch it in the areas between 35 degrees north latitude and 35 degrees longitute.
Lassa fever - rodents, their dropping, contaminated food, or water are the source of infection.
Chikungunya - viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes flying especially during the day. It occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Hemorrhagic fevers - include arburg, lassa, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Rift valley fever, dengue, hantavirus diseases and yellow fever, characterized by mucosal bleeding and often ending by death.
Sleeping sickness - transmitted by tse-tse fly. Be careful, common repellents do not repel this fly.
If you travel to an exotic country, it is advisable to contact your attending physician or tropical disease center in your vicinity. You will get there all the information on how to protect against diseases and against which it is possible to vaccinate. But go there within a reasonable, because if you need a vaccination, it can be done at least 4-8 weeks before leaving.
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