Travel Medicine (cont.)
Polio
Polio is a viral illness that can lead to severe neuromuscular problems. The
polio virus is ingested through the mouth and then makes its way to the central
nervous system. Many people have no symptoms, but some have neurological
problems such as weakness and paralysis. Symptoms are especially severe if they
involve the breathing muscles. Polio is spread from person to person. Infected
secretions and feces can cause disease.
Thanks to a major public-health campaign, many countries no longer have
polio. A few countries in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle
East still have outbreaks. The list of infected countries is constantly changing
as some countries successfully eliminate the infection and others become
reinfected. Check with the CDC to see if your itinerary includes any of these
countries.
The inactivated polio vaccine is recommended if the traveler is going to an
area where polio is still occurring. A single booster dose is sufficient if the
traveler has received the usual vaccine series in childhood. If the traveler has
not been fully vaccinated in the past, more doses may be needed.
Cholera
Cholera is an infection caused by bacteria (Vibrio cholerae) that look like
curved rods. The bacteria attach to the inside of the intestines and secrete a
toxin. The cholera toxin can cause the cells in the intestines to pour out large
amounts of water. In severe cases, the excess water loss leads to massive amounts
of watery diarrhea that can contain cells from the body and bacteria. The term
"rice water" is often used to describe this diarrhea because of the appearance
of small white flecks of mucus in liquid.
Cholera can be spread when human waste contaminates water and food. Because
it takes a high numbers of bacteria to cause infection, the contamination
usually has to be quite significant. For example, in areas of poor sanitation,
cholera can be spread when the water supply is contaminated by feces from people
who are sick. Cholera is rare in travelers because most travelers avoid heavily
contaminated food and water.
Cholera is most common in areas that have poor sanitation, with faulty sewage
systems or contaminated drinking water. Cholera can be prevented by using proper
sanitation and sewage treatment. Boiling, filtering, or chlorinating water can
help to prevent the spread of cholera.
Next: What about diseases for which there is no vaccine or preventive medication? »
- doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
- Dengue Fever - Get the facts on dengue fever causes (virus transmitted by infected mosquito), symptoms, signs, treatment, statistics and information on dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Latest Medical News
Travel Health RSS