There are many health risks associated with travelling overseas including:
- infectious diseases
- food poisoning
- heat-related conditions
Some conditions may be mild and will pass quickly with minimum treatment, whereas others may be more serious and need specialist care.
Some common conditions you may be affected by while travelling overseas are described in more detail below.
Malaria
Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite and is spread by mosquitoes. It is more common in tropical countries, such as parts of Africa, although there have been cases reported in the UK.
In recent years, rates of malaria have fallen sharply due to improvements in preventing the spread of the condition. However, it still remains a significant health problem.
Malaria cases continue to be reported in over 100 different countries. An estimated 1,500 British travellers contract the condition each year.
The parts of the world where malaria is particularly widespread include:
- sub-Saharan Africa (African countries that are south of the Sahara Desert, with the exception of South Africa, such as Angola, Kenya and Nigeria)
- countries in the northern part of South America, such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador
- countries of Central America, with the exception of Mexico
- most of the countries in South Asia, such as India, Pakistan and Afghanistan
- most of the countries in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia
In most of the countries listed above, the major cities and towns are usually malaria-free and the risk is confined to rural areas. However, in Africa (and India to a lesser extent) malaria cases still occasionally occur in towns and cities.
Symptoms of malaria usually appear 10 to 15 days after you are bitten by an infected mosquito. However, depending on the type of parasite you are infected with, it can take up to a year for symptoms to show.
The symptoms of malaria are similar to those of influenza (flu) and include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- sweats and chills
- generally feeling unwell
Many cases of malaria can be prevented using the ABCD checklist:
- Awareness of risk. Know your risk of malaria.
- Bite prevention. Take precautions to avoid being bitten.
- Chemoprophylaxis. Take the right anti-malarial tablets. As different strains of malaria can be found in different parts of the world, each strain requires a specific medication to prevent it.
- Diagnosis. Seek immediate medical advice for any symptoms you have.
Taking medicine to prevent malaria is essential for all travellers visiting areas where malaria is a known risk. However, anti-malarial tablets are not 100% effective, so avoiding getting bitten is also important.
See the Health A-Z topic about Malaria for more information about treating and preventing malaria.
HIV and AIDS
There is a global pandemic of HIV and AIDS. This means that HIV and AIDS have spread across the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are currently over 33 million people with HIV, and that just under 3 million people were newly infected in 2008.
There is currently no cure for HIV and AIDS, although medication can be used to slow the progress of the condition. Parts of the world where HIV and AIDS are particularly widespread include:
- sub-Saharan Africa, particularly South Africa, Benin, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Russia
- Burma
- Thailand
- Laos
- Papua New Guinea
- Guyana
- Suriname
- Honduras
- Belize
- Haiti
- the Dominican Republic
Never assume that HIV and AIDS are limited to members of a country's gay community. In many countries, most people with HIV and AIDS are heterosexual.
In most of the countries listed above, rates of HIV infections are particularly high among prostitutes.
See the Health A-Z topic about HIV and AIDS for more information and advice.
Sunburn
Sunburn is the damaging effect of the sun on the skin. It is caused by the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. If you are travelling to hot climates from countries such as the UK, you may be at greater risk of getting sunburnt because your skin may not be used to the sun.
If you have fair skin, your risk of getting sunburnt is even greater. Severe sunburn can cause red, sore and tender areas, with blistering and peeling. It can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer in later life.
See the Health A-Z topic about Sunburn for more information and advice.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes overheated very quickly. This can happen as a result of very hot temperatures, extreme physical exertion or sunburn. The symptoms of heatstroke include:
- very high body temperature of 40C (104F) or above (a major sign of heatstroke)
- heavy sweating that suddenly stops (being unable to produce any more sweat is a warning sign that the body has become over-heated and dehydrated)
- tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
- muscle cramps
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know has the symptoms of heatstroke, call the emergency medical services of the country you are staying in.
In all European countries, the emergency number is 112. Other countries may have different numbers, so check with local staff or residents.
To reduce your risk of heatstroke in hot conditions, keep physical exertion to a minimum. Drink plenty of water or isotonic fluids (drinks that replace body fluids and essential minerals, such as salt, that is lost through sweating). Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in hot weather.
See the Health A-Z topic about Heatstroke for more information and advice.
Travellers’ diarrhoea
Travellers’ diarrhoea is a general term to describe symptoms of diarrhoea that occur during or shortly after travelling. It is usually spread through poor hygiene and lasts for about three to five days.
Most cases of travellers’ diarrhoea are caused by bacteria that are passed from faeces (stools) to the mouth. This can happen when someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet and then handles food that is eaten by travellers.
Travellers’ diarrhoea is usually mild, but it is unpleasant and can ruin a holiday. It often clears up without treatment, but it is essential to drink plenty of fluid. More severe cases of travellers’ diarrhoea are treated with a short course of antibiotics.
See the Health A-Z topic about Travellers’ diarrhoea for more information and advice.
Bites and stings
In the UK, most bites and stings are painful but harmless and only affect the area around the bite or sting. However, some people can have an immediate and more widespread allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. Anaphylaxis is uncommon, affecting approximately 3 people in 100, and usually only occurs after a wasp sting.
See the Health A-Z topic about Anaphylaxis for more information.
When abroad, be aware of other stinging and biting animals and insects, such as scorpions, snakes, spiders and jellyfish. Always look where you are walking or swimming, and follow the advice of local tourist information regarding safe places to visit and swim. It is also important to note that bites can infect you with diseases, such as malaria or rabies.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten by an animal while you are abroad. Rabies is transmitted through an infected animal's saliva, but it is only spread if the salvia comes into contact with your eyes, mouth, nose or a wound. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention.
See the following Health A-Z topics for more information and advice:
