Africa is full of the wonders of the ancient world. From the expanses of the Sahara Dessert to the dense tropical rain forests of the Congo to the Serengeti Plains to the mind blowing diversity of the white sand beaches and snow covered mountains, and lush meadows and rolling grasslands of Southern Africa, the continent of Africa is arguably the world’s most precious jewel. There are few places in the world where you can experience such lush wildlife and beautiful natural surroundings. If you have the chance to explore Africa, do it. But, take health precautions before you go. The disease risks are as varied as the geography.
If you plan on visiting West Africa, take not that there are exotic viruses which contaminate the air, food, water, and native African populations. Polio, Dengue, the measles, meningococcal and yellow fever plague West Africa. There are many reasons that viruses such as these spread, but sanitation is the most prominent. Until you witness the lack of sanitation in Africa, you won’t fully understand the dangers of disease.
Polio vaccines are common to American children, though some of us may not have received our vaccines. Get your booster or initial vaccination before entering West Africa. Meningococcal disease carries a high mortality rate, and can be spread through body fluids or prolonged personal contact with an infected person. Meningococcal disease is common to several regions of Africa. A simple vaccination and a little common sense is all you need to protect yourself. The measles vaccine one which requires adult booster shots to stay protected. Be sure to consult with Dr. Gafanovich about your booster shots.
Yellow Fever and Dengue are not common diseases to America, but are to Central, East and West Africa, so there is very little chance that you are already inoculated against these two diseases. Dengue fever is a disease that is so deadly and painful that it is referred to as Breakbone Fever. Infected individuals will convulse so badly that their bones will break and will develop hemorrhagic bleeding symptoms. Yellow fever is mosquito borne. It can make infected individuals bleed to death. But before that, severe loss of appetite, nausea, liver damage and more will affect you. It is absolutely imperative that you are inoculated against these two diseases. Follow Dr. Gafanovich’s expert advice closely concerning how to avoid contracting these two diseases.
In Southern and North Africa, the measles are a concern. The measles was once a deadly virus in the United States, with high rates of mortality reported with infection. While most Americans are already protected from the measles from taking childhood MMR shots, adult Americans rarely keep current on their vaccines. Be sure to ask Dr. Gafanovich about booster shots for MMR, DPT, and Polio.
In East Africa, travelers are at risk of catching Marburg. The Marburg virus is extremely deadly, and causes hemorrhagic fever. This is not a common illness anywhere in the world, but there have been outbreaks of Marburg in East Africa. The CDC classifies Marburg as a Class Four virus and is considered very dangerous. Consult with Dr. Gafanovich about ways you can prevent falling ill with this deadly disease.
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Vaccinations should be given at least six weeks in advance of your trip, or even up to a year and a half before your trip, depending on the type of vaccine. At Dr. Gafanovich’s New York Travel Clinic, you will be advised on timelines for certain vaccination courses, preventative medications you may need before entering Africa and ways you can avoid illness or injury during your trip. To make an appointment, contact us today.