Schistosomiasis
Is a chronic disease caused by parasitic worms. Travellers aren’t generally at risk unless unless wading or swimming in fresh water in endemic areas. With the increasing popularity of eco-tourism, more travellers are contracting the disease.
Risk areas:
Predominantly Africa
Transmission:
People become infected when larval forms of the parasite – released by freshwater snails – penetrate their skin during contact with infested water.
Symptoms:
The disease is diagnosed through the detection of parasite eggs in stool or urine specimens.
Vaccine:
There is no vaccine, but prevention is key.
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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.
