• Acute Mountain Sickness
• Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
• Dengue fever
• Diarrhoea
• Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever
• Influenza
• Lassa Fever
• Legionnaires Disease
• Leishmaniasis
• Leprosy
• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
• Plague
• Schistosomiasis
• Tick bourne encephalitis
• Tick Typhus
• Trypanosomiasis (African Sleeping sickness)

Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a potentially life threatening condition when someone is exposed to high altitude without prior acclimatisation. High altitude holidays are growing in popularity, particularly skiing, mountaineering and also expeditions. Only those in peak physical condition should attempt top level expeditions, and if in doubt medical advice should be taken. The main cause is going too high too quickly, and can hit people of all ages.

It occurs as a result of decrease in atmospheric pressure which can making breathing difficult. The altitude difference undergone in 24 hours is the determining factor; from 3000 metres upwards, the risk increases when the altitude difference between encampments exceeds 300 metres.

Risk areas:

Altitudes that hit over 4000 and 5000 metres are at most risk. More popular areas include crossing Andean passes in South America, treks in the Himalayas and Nepal can often reach similar heights as with Kilimanjaro. Most ski resorts are around 2500 metres above sea level

Symptoms:

Early signs of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion. If vertigo, vomiting, apathy, staggering and dyspnoea occur, immediate accompanied descent is essential and medical attention must be sought. Failing to descend may be fatal.

Treatment:

If early signs of mountain sickness appear, rest for a day at the same altitude. If they persist or increase, descend at least 500 metres and if gets worse, seek medical attention immediately.