With overseas outbreaks of Ebola and diphtheria, Worldwise Geographic Medicine is warning Kiwi travellers to be aware of potential risks before travelling overseas—but not alarmed.
Worldwise medical director Marc Shaw says Kiwi travellers need to be aware of such outbreaks in order to take preventative measures.
Countries that are often the most at risk of Ebola include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. However he says Ebola is starting to spread in Uganda. He recommends agents and their clients check the Uganda government and WHO website to see if they are safe to visit the country before travel.
Shaw also advises clients take out health insurance before the trip in case the trip is cancelled due to an Ebola outbreak.
Ebola symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after someone is exposed to the virus, with ‘dry symptoms’ such as fever, body aches, general unwellness and weakness occurring before vomiting and diarrhoea, he adds.
At the same time he says diphtheria has made a comeback post-covid, and has been found in Africa, Europe and Australia. He advises Kiwi travellers get an update of the available vaccine before any travel. “It is safe and effective against an awful disease that used to be responsible for hundreds of deaths.”
Countries highlighted for diphtheria include Nigeria, Pakistan, Yemen, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
. . . Prevention
Worldwise says topics that the travel doctor most commonly consults on is risk management, safety and security issues and malaria prevention. “50% of travellers to developing countries become unwell in some form, and we guide travellers into maintaining healthy and safe travel,” he adds. See more from Worldwise HERE.
