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Food and waterborne diseases
This is the leading cause of illness apart from tropical diseases. Diarrhoea or stomach upsets can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout Africa and contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhoea and vomiting (E.coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.
Malaria
Malaria risk—predominantly due to P. falciparum—exists throughout the year in the whole country. There is normally little risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands (above 2500 m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western provinces. Malaria is endemic in all of our main safari areas. P. falciparum resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine reported.
Vaccinations
You will need to make an appointment with your personal physician or travel clinic at least one month prior to departure to review pertinent health precautions including necessary vaccinations and medications. Get accurate and current advice on inoculation requirements and any recently recognized medical precautions that may be necessary.
Yellow Fever :
No vaccinations or health certificates are required unless you are arriving within 6 days after leaving a Yellow Fever infected area. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry into Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Bilharzia :
Bilharzia is a disease caused by tiny parasites present in the vectors(snail) that are found in lakes, rivers and dams. There is no prophylactic available against Bilharzia, which is treated by drugs or an injection. The condition can be unpleasant so it's better not to swim in rivers or streams, particularly where the water is stagnant.Probability of getting infected with the disease is less as eradication of the vectors is always intensified.
Sunburn :
Always take precautions against the tropical sun. Proximity to the equator makes the African sun particularly strong so ensure you use the proper level of protection. In the winter months, the big game areas can be dusty. Contact lens wearers may be advised to bring eye drops. Wrap-around sunglasses provide the best protection from dust and other eye irritants. Sun protective chapstick, sunscreens, moisturizing creams and insect repellents are neccessary.
Some of the illness or infection can be dependent on the following factors: - Destination
- Risks related to the area (urban or rural)
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Type of accommodation (hotel, camping)
- Altitude
- Security problems (e.g. conflict)
- Availability of medical facilities
Prevention
Vaccination : Contact the nearest travel medicine centre or a physician as early as possible, preferably 4–6 weeks before departure.
Malaria : Request information on malaria risk, prevention of mosquito bites, possible need for appropriate preventive medication and emergency reserves, and plan for bednet and insect repellent. Visitors to East Africa are advised to take prophylatics Two weeks before embarking their safari and two weeks after arriving home. Recommended prophylaxis : mefloquine.
Yellow fever : A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
Food hygiene : Eat only thoroughly cooked food and drink only well-sealed bottled or packaged cold drinks. Boil drinking-water if safety is doubtful. If boiling is not possible, a certified well-maintained filter and/or disinfectant agent can be used.
Accidents related to :
- Traffic (obtain a card showing blood group before departure)
- Animals (beware of snakes and rabid dogs)
- Allergies (use a medical alert bracelet)
- Sun (pack sunglasses and sunscreen)
Get the following check-ups
medical—obtain prescriptions for medication according to length of stay, and obtain advice from your physician on assembling a suitable medical kit
- Dental
- Ophthalmological—pack spare spectacles
- Other according to specific conditions (e.g. pregnancy, diabetes)
- Subscribe to a medical insurance with appropriate cover abroad, i.e. accident, sickness, medical repatriation.
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