Library
View our archive of blog articles on Travel Health
Travel Doctor Library lists various articles on preparation for travel to various countries and the health risks to be considered when entering certain regions.
MALARIA – Do you really “KNOW IT ALL”?
MALARIA – Do you really “KNOW IT ALL”? An open letter by Dr Rick I always enjoy fielding questions from concerned company representatives regarding malaria. You might be aware that there are both acute AND chronic complications associated with malaria. Firstly,...
How to keep your child safe from malaria.
Malaria is on the rise again – and children under five are particularly vulnerable. The good news is that it’s preventable and treatable, but take care. By Glynis Horning Malaria season is in full swing and runs until May, with the Mopani and parts of the Vhembe...
ONE DOG AND TWO VICTIMS – A sad African tale
ONE DOG AND TWO VICTIMS - A sad African tale The Travel Doctor Friday, 28 September was World Rabies Day. The theme this year is: “Share the Message, Save a Life” and it is in the spirit of this message that we at Travel Doctor want to share the story of...
World Malaria Day 2017
Malaria Prevention: Let's close the gap on World Malaria Day 2017 (http://www.who.int/campaigns/malaria-day/2017/en/) The World Health Organisation is calling on closing the gap in malaria prevention on World Malaria Day 25 April 2017. Although new malaria cases fell...
Malaria toll outstrips Ebola in the aftermath of EVD in Guinea
Malaria toll outstrips Ebola in the aftermath of EVD in Guinea While the world focused on the well- (if not over-) publicised terrors of Ebola Virus Disease, the planet’s second most prolific killer, Malaria, spreads seemingly unnoticed. Sources differ, but the...
Influenza Season 2015
When is influenza season? Influenza also called flu is an acute viral respiratory infection, transmitted by the influenza virus. This virus has three main types A, B and C. Influenza A is classified into different subtypes. The currently circulating seasonal viruses...
Children and Malaria
My wife and I would like to plan a trip to the Kruger National Park with our small children. At what age can you start giving malaria preventative medication to children? Technically, as soon as they weigh over 5kg. However, I wouldn't advise children under five years...
Pertussis / Whooping cough
Pertussis / Whooping cough Mode Of Infection Pertussis (Whooping cough) is caused by the bacterium, Bordetella pertussis. It is highly contagious, easily transmitted form person to person by droplets. It occurs mainly in infants and young children, and is easily...
Ebola Virus Disease
EBOLA / VIRAL HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER IN PERSPECTIVE WHAT IS A VIRAL HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER? A group of illnesses caused by several distinct families of viruses. In general, the term "viral haemorrhagic fever" is used to describe a severe multisystem syndrome....
Preparing for Beijing
PREPARING FOR BEIJING Author: Dr. De Frey Source: Travel Doctor The Olympic Games in Beijing and other cities in China are expected to attract 600 000 foreign visitors and athletes and up to 2.5 million domestic visitors and volunteers. In a study published in the...
WORLD DIABETES DAY 2019
The theme for diabetes awareness month and World Diabetes Day 2019 is Family and Diabetes.
Families are urged to learn more about the warning signs of diabetes and find out their risk of type 2 diabetes. Research conducted by IDF in 2018 discovered that parents would struggle to spot this serious life-long condition in their own children. Despite the majority of people surveyed having a family member with diabetes, an alarming four-in-five parents would have trouble recognising the warning signs. One-in-three wouldn’t spot them at all.
The findings underline the need for education and awareness to help people spot the diabetes warning signs early.