Travel diseases explained: The Ebola virus and more

As the current Ebola epidemic continues, many worry about travelling abroad. With reported Ebola cases in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Congo, the virus is causing concern on an international scale, it’s important that travellers understand the health risks of travelling to certain regions, not only due to the current threat of Ebola but also numerous other infections.

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a viral infection which can be fatal. Outbreaks occur when a human catches the virus through contact with an infected animal (for example when eating contaminated meat). Once a human has caught Ebola, it is transmitted via direct contact. This means that it is transmitted if the virus comes in contact with an open wound or a mucus membrane (including during sexual intercourse). The virus is present in the patient’s bodily fluids, such as urine, saliva, semen and vomit. It primarily spreads in clinical settings such as hospitals, especially if staff are not sufficiently equipped to avoid infection.

The symptoms of Ebola are not dissimilar to those of other travel diseases and can easily misinterpreted during the early stages of infection. As a result, patients are often not quarantined during the beginning stages. The World Health Organisation states that the risk of Ebola for visitors in an affected area is relatively low, as they are unlikely to come in direct contact with the virus. However, tourists are currently urged not to travel to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone if they can avoid it.

Staying healthy abroad

During the current Ebola crisis it is important to remember than there are many other travel illnesses to be aware of. Recent outbreaks of typhoid in Sudan and Zimbabwe are reminders that typhoid still exists in parts of the world, especially in areas with poor sanitation and a poor infrastructure. Just like Ebola, typhoid can be fatal. While there is no vaccine for Ebola, typhoid can be prevented by getting vaccinated prior to travel.

Your travel health highly depends on your behaviour while abroad and the steps you take to prevent infection. Before you travel, you must make sure you are vaccinated against cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, encephalitis or any other illness endemic to the region you will be travelling to. Which vaccinations you need also depends on the kind of activities you will be taking part in. Healthcare and social workers planning to work with the local population are likely to require a more extensive list of vaccinations to stay safe.

It is also vital to check whether the country you are planning to visit is a risk area for malaria. Anti-malaria tablets will protect you from getting malaria. In addition, you must avoid mosquito bites by taking protective measures such as using a bed net at night, as well as insect repellent and appropriate clothing. Mosquitos do not only transmit the malaria parasite but they can also carry other diseases, such as Chikungunya (a viral infection for which there is no treatment or vaccine).

When to seek medical help

Many travel illnesses cause very similar symptoms. If you experience diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle pains or a fever during your time abroad, you must seek medical attention immediately so you can get an accurate diagnosis and the correct treatment. The same applies if you fall ill after returning from your travels. There have been cases where travellers encountered a malaria outbreak months after returning from a risk area.

Your personal hygiene plays an important role in preventing illness. You have a much higher risk of contracting Ebola or another travel illness if you fail to wash your hands regularly (especially before eating). It might be necessary to avoid certain foods and boil water before drinking or using it. Make sure you understand the risks which apply to your travel destination – the NHS fit for travel website contains up-to-date information for travellers.

GETA (Gay European Tourism Association) recommends that gay travellers check the legal position of all countries they are planning to visit. Visit the IGLA Rainbow Europe Guide at ilga-europe.org or visit the Foreign Office & Commonwealth website fco.gov.uk before you make any travel plans.

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