& LIFESTYLE How you can steer clear of tropical diseases

THIS rare, viral brain infection is spread through mosquito bites. It tends to be most prevalent in rural areas of southeast Asia and the Far East, where the virus is found in pigs and birds and passed to mosquitoes when they bite infected animals.

Most people infected by Japanese encephalitis (JE) either won’t notice, or may experience mild flu-like symptoms. However, the NHS reports that around one in every 250 people who become infected develop more severe symptoms – such as seizures, fever, paralysis and a stiff neck.

It’s estimated that less than one in a million travellers get JE in any given year, but up to one in every three people who do get it and end up developing more serious symptoms, will die as a result.

“It’s usually quite rare in travellers,” says Dr Kershaw-Yates, “but you should think about getting the vaccine if you are visiting a rural area for a long period, or if you are visiting during or just after the rainy season.”

She says that while not usually available on the NHS, a JE vaccine is available privately. “Two doses are required, four weeks apart, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get the vaccines before your trip.”

You can also give yourself extra protection by using mosquito repellent containing Deet and wearing loose clothing which covers your arms and legs. “There is no vaccination for malaria,” says Dr Kershaw-Yates, “but you can reduce your risk of catching it through taking malaria tablets, or by avoiding getting bitten in the first place. “I advise you take malaria tablets, starting between one and seven days before entering a malaria zone, and until one to four weeks after leaving a malaria zone. “You should also apply insect repellent to any exposed skin, ensuring it has a high Deet content – the more Deet the repellent contains, the better protected you will be.” Choose accommodation with screens on the windows and doors and use a mosquito net. “Ideally, your mosquito net should be impregnated with repellent.” freshly cooked and piping hot.”

She says some of the most common foods and drinks to be wary of are tap and ice water, drinks prepared by street vendors, milk, ice cream, shellfish, salad or pre-peeled fruits and raw meats.

“If you are at particular risk of catching cholera (for example, if you’re working as an aid worker), there is a cholera vaccination you can take which is given to you as a drink,” Dr Kershaw-Yates adds.

THIS viral disease is spread through mosquito bites, and can cause severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain and vomiting. In most people, the infection is mild and passes in about a week, but in rare cases can be life-threatening.

Dengue is found in parts of southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the Indian subcontinent, South and Central America, Africa, the Pacific Islands and Australia.

Dr Kershaw-Yates notes: “Its most common in crowded urban environments with a warm and humid climate.

“There is no vaccine or cure for dengue, so the recommended treatment is to let the infection run its course, while medicating with over-the-counter painkillers and bed rest.

“It occasionally causes lethal complications, so hospitalisation is sometimes required. As there is no vaccine, avoid getting bitten by covering exposed skin with insect repellent containing Deet and wearing loose clothing with long-sleeved trousers and tops.

“Remember, mosquitoes can still bite through tight-fitted clothing. I’d advise sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with repellent, and taking extra care around water sources in crowded urban environments, as mosquitoes breed around bodies of water.

“Be especially vigilant in the morning and at dusk, as this is when the mosquitoes that carry dengue are most active.”

Finally, Dr Kershaw-Yates says that one good way to cover yourself from catching diseases when travelling is to avoid any overly risky behaviour.

“It’s easy when we’re abroad to put safety to one side and engage in unsafe activities involving wildlife or extreme sports that aren’t covered by your insurance.

“Ask yourself whether you would do it at home – and if the answer is no, it’s best to avoid it.”

Before travelling anywhere, visit the NHS ‘Fit For Travel’ website (fitfortravel. nhs.uk) to keep up-to-date on the health requirements of different tropical countries. They change fairly frequently, so make sure you only rely on the most recent information.