Tropical and travel diseases

Overview

Travel diseases are typically contracted while travelling. Tropical diseases are infectious diseases mainly caused by pathogens found in the tropics and sub-tropics. It is advisable to contact a travel doctor/institute of tropical medicine for information about preventive measures at least 3 months before leaving on a trip. A doctor should be consulted if fever occurs during or after a trip to the tropics.

Topics related to the tropics and travelling

• Cholera
• Dengue fever
• Diphtheria
• Diarrhoea, vomiting
• Ebola
• Yellow fever
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Haemorrhagic fever
• Hepatitis (A, B)
• Meningitis
• HIV/Aids
• Vaccinations
• Infantile paralysis
• The itch, scabies
• Lassa fever
• Legionella
• Gastro-intestinal infections
• Malaria
• Sunburn
• Tetanus
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid
• Tick bite
• Zika virus

Symptoms

Symptoms are highly diverse and differ according to the infection. Common symptoms include

• Fever, chills
• General feeling of being unwell, tiredness
• Limb pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Itching, skin rash

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Mosquitoes, horseflies, ticks, parasites
• Bacteria, viruses, fungi
• Local hygiene practices
  • Treatment of drinking water
  • Waste water disposal
• Warm and humid climate (rain forest)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Based on suspicion
  • Blood test (identification of antibodies)
  • Urine test and stool analysis
  • Further examinations based on symptoms

Possible therapies

• Depending on the diagnosed disease

What can I do myself?

• Contact travel doctor/institute of tropical medicine at least 3 months before leaving on a trip
  • Recommendations/information
  • Vaccination, booster shot, if necessary
  • Prophylactic medication (malaria), if necessary
• Thorough preparation for trip is advised
  • Follow travel recommendations
  • First-aid kit (information from pharmacy)
  • Take vaccination certificate with you (travel document)
• Generally, the safer sex rules apply
  • Always use a condom or femidom during sexual intercourse outside a committed partnership
  • Don't get sperm or blood (including menstrual blood) in your mouth, and don’t swallow
• Insect repellent
  o Mosquito spray (suitable for the tropics)
  o Mosquito net (suitable for the tropics)
  o Clothing suitable for the tropics (light colours, long sleeves, long trousers)
• Protection from parasites
  o Don’t swim in fresh water (only in chlorinated swimming pools)
  o Never go barefoot (wear bathing shoes)
• Eating/drinking
  o Boil water or use bottled water (also for cleaning the teeth)
  o No ice cubes, ice cream, drinks served by the glass
  o No take-away menus or unwashed food
  o “Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it”
• Behaviour while travelling
  o Wash or sanitise hands regularly
  o No contact with animals
  o Use sunblock

When to see a doctor?

• Before going on a trip (vaccination, prophylaxis)
• Always if symptoms occur or infection is suspected
• Fever during or after a trip to the tropics
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe diarrhoea

Further information

Ostschweizer Infostelle für Reisemedizin (Eastern Switzerland Information Centre for Travel Medicine)
www.osir.ch

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut)
www.swisstph.ch

FDFA (travel links)
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa.html

Video: Travel medicine (AMBOSS)
www.youtube.com

Synonyms

tropical and travel diseases, tropical diseases, travel diseases, travel information, travel recommendations, tropical medicine