Multiresistant infections

Multi-drug resistant bacteria are becoming more common overseas. It is possible to acquire an acute infection such as traveller's diarrhoea (gastroenteritis) or become a carrier of multiresistant strains of bacteria while travelling. Not always will a course of antibiotics be helpful. Current studies suggest that India and Southeast Asia are areas of the highest source of aquisition of such infections. Please make sure that if presenting to your doctor with an illness that you mention any recent travel (up to 6 months).

Hepatitis A

Virus causing liver inflammation
Spread: contaminated food and drinks usually from others through poor sanitary or hygiene practices
or from food that has been in contact with contaminated water
Risk: food and drinks, contaminated water in drinks, ice, uncooked foods, eg. fruit and vegetables, sushi
Distribution: worldwide, greatest where sanitation is poor
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), incubation may be up to 50 days
Prevention: vaccine available, food and drinks precautions "boil it, cook it, peel it, otherwise forget it"

Hepatitis B

Virus causing liver inflammation, chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer
Spread: blood or other body fluid (saliva, semen) contact with infected person or via contaminated equipment eg. medical or dental
Risk: unprotected sex, medical and dental procedures, receiving a blood transfusion, injections, piercings and tattoos, sharing razors or toothbrushes, motor vehicle accidents, contact sport
Distribution: worldwide, greatest in Asia, Russia, South America
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), weakness, dark urine, incubation period from 45 to 180 days
Prevention: vaccine available, safe sex precautions, avoid high risk activities and procedures, wear gloves if risk of blood contact

Hepatitis C

Virus causing liver inflammation, chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer
Spread: blood or other body fluid (saliva, semen) contact with infected person or via contaminated equipment eg. medical or dental
Risk: unprotected sex, medical and dental procedures, receiving a blood transfusion, injections, piercings and tattoos, sharing razors or toothbrushes, motor vehicle accidents, contact sport
Distribution: worldwide, greatest in Asia, Russia, South America
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), weakness, dark urine, incubation period from 14 to 180 days
Prevention: NO vaccine available, safe sex precautions, avoid high risk activities and procedures, wear gloves if risk of blood contact

Hepatitis E

Virus causing liver inflammation , serious in pregnancy and may lead to liver failure
Spread: contaminated food and drinks usually from others through poor sanitary or hygiene practices
or from food that has been in contact with contaminated water
Risk: food and drinks, contaminated water in drinks, ice, uncooked foods, eg. fruit and vegetables, sushi
Distribution: worldwide, greatest where sanitation is poor, in areas of pig farming
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Prevention: NO vaccine available, food and drinks precautions "boil it, cook it, peel it, otherwise forget it"

Malaria

Parasite causing blood infection and liver inflammation, may be life threatening
Spread: mosquito bite
Risk: exposure to mosquitoes in malaria risk areas
Distribution: tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, PNG, some Pacific Islands
Symptoms: fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, night sweats
Prevention: prophylactic medication available to be taken while in a malaria risk area, mosquito bite prevention - tropical strength insect repellent, bed nets, light coloured clothing covering body (long sleeves and pants)

Typhoid

Bacterial infection
Spread: contaminated food and drinks
Risk: food and drinks, contaminated water in drinks, ice, uncooked foods, eg. fruit and vegetables, sushi
Distribution: worldwide, greatest where sanitation is poor
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, bloody stools
Prevention: vaccine available, food and drinks precautions "boil it, cook it, peel it, otherwise forget it"

Rabies

Virus causing fatal illness
Spread: from animal bites or scratches, eg. dogs, cats, monkeys, bats
Risk: handling, feeding, patting animals, stays and trekking in rural areas, countryside bike/motorbike trips, caving
Distribution: worldwide except Australia, mainly Asia, Africa and Central and South America
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, paralysis, fatal if not treated
Prevention: pre-exposure vaccine available, avoid animal contact, bites, scratches. Seek immediate medical advice if bitten or scratched as further injections and management are required

Yellow Fever

Virus - may be fatal
Spread: mosquito bite
Risk: exposure to mosquitoes in yellow fever risk areas
Distribution: Subsaharan Africa, Central and South America - WHO declares specific countries of risk
Symptoms: fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), internal bleeding
Prevention: vaccine which is mandatory for travel to/from yellow fever declared countries, mosquito bite prevention: tropical strength insect repellent, bed nets, light coloured clothing covering body (long sleeves and pants)

Japanese Encephalitis

Virus - may be fatal
Spread: mosquito bite from previously infected pigs/birds
Risk: exposure to mosquitoes in at risk areas, mainly rural areas in rice growing regions, increased risk with prolonged exposure
Distribution: Southeast Asia, China, Indian subcontinent
Symptoms: fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, movement disorders
Prevention: vaccine if staying in at risk area for a prolonged time, mosquito bite prevention: tropical strength insect repellent, bed nets, light coloured clothing covering body (long sleeves and pants)

Meningococcal Disease

Bacteria causing infection of the brain, blood or lungs, may lead to death
Spread: person to person contact via mucus or saliva (some people are 'carriers' without symptoms)
Risk: person to person contact, esp if in crowded conditions, eg. dormitories, pilgrimages
Distribution: mainly sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia
Symptoms: bruise-like non-blanching rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light
Prevention: vaccine available, vaccine is mandatory if travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage

Polio

Virus affecting the central nervous system, can result in paralysis
Spread: person to person, contaminated food and drinks
Risk: contact with infected persons or food and drinks handled by an infected person
Distribution: Rare, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Nigeria, PNG
Symptoms: headache, general aches and pains, neck and back stiffness
Prevention: vaccine available - for children part of routine immunisations, for adults recommended single booster,

Influenza

Virus mainly affecting respiratory system, can be serious for those at risk of complications
Spread: person to person, airborne droplets and contact with secretions
Risk: contact with infected persons or food, drinks, surfaces handled by an infected person
Distribution: Worldwide usually seasonal
Symptoms: fever, headache, general aches and pains, cough, shortness of breath
Prevention: vaccine available - but coverage is strain specific (usually 3-4 strains)

Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever

Various
Spread: mosquito bite
Risk: exposure to mosquitoes
Distribution: tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, PNG, some Pacific Islands
Symptoms: fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, night sweats
Prevention: no vaccination or preventative medication is available, mosquito bite prevention - tropical strength insect repellent, bed nets, light coloured clothing covering body (long sleeves and pants)

Cholera

Bacterial infection
Spread: contaminated food and drinks
Risk: food and drinks, contaminated water in drinks, ice, uncooked foods, eg. fruit and vegetables, sushi
Distribution: worldwide, greatest where sanitation is poor
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, bloody stools
Prevention: vaccine available, food and drinks precautions "boil it, cook it, peel it, otherwise forget it"

Traveller's Diarrhea

Various: bacterial, viral, parasitic, of concern E.Coli
Spread: contaminated food and drinks
Risk: food and drinks, contaminated water in drinks, ice, uncooked foods, eg. fruit and vegetables, sushi
Distribution: worldwide, greatest where sanitation is poor
Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, bloody stools
Prevention: vaccine available, food and drinks precautions "boil it, cook it, peel it, otherwise forget it"

For more information see

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention