Leishmaniasis
Is a disease spread by infected sand flies. The most common forms are cutaneous (causing skin sores) and visceral (which can affect internal organs of the body).
Risk areas:
Tropics and subtropics, rain forests in South and Central America to deserts in West Africa. It can also be found in Asia and the Middle East.
Transmission:
By infected sand flies, which are prevalent particularly at dusk, evening and night time.
Symptoms:
Sores on the skin, which can be painful and raised. You may also experience weight loss, fever and an enhanced spleen or liver.
Prevention:
If you are heading to any areas where transmission is a risk, protect yourself from sandfly bites. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, and if you must then cover up well. Where skin is on show, ensure that you use a good insect repellent.
Treatment:
Vaccines to prevent infection are not yet available.
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Dr Travel Tips
- When camping, reduce the chance of insect bites by wearing light coloured clothing and avoiding perfumes.
- This is on ‘oldy but a goody’: always pack a spare pair of clothes in you hand luggage just in ‘case’ the airline loses your other baggage.
- Before you travel you should call your bank and let them know where you are travelling and the dates of your trip to avoid bank card issues.
- Some tips seem obvious but return the best value, this is one. Always retain a cheery disposition wherever you are travelling, you will receive far greater service – a smile is multilingual.
- To save space in your luggage and reduce the weight should you be charged extra, take samples of toiletries rather than packing your large ‘home size’ containers.
