Tick Typhus
There are various types of tick typhus with varying symptoms.
Risk areas:
The disease is not uncommon in travellers who spend time trekking or on safari in Africa, South Africa or the Indian subcontinent.
Transmission:
The disease is spread mostly by ticks, fleas or lice that are common in game animals.
Symptoms:
Depending on the type of tick typhus that is contracted, symptoms can vary. But most are characterised by high fever, headache, rash and swollen lymph nodes. Often the area around the bite can be sore.
Vaccination:
No vaccines are available.
Prevention is key by ensuring that you are wearing a strong insect repellent and wear long sleeve clothing and trousers protected with DEET.
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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.
