Diseases of Contact
Contracted from the environment or contact with humans or animals: Rabies, Tuberculosis, Tetanus, Bilharzia, Meningitis, Creeping Eruptions, Leprosy, Anthrax, Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Avoiding Risky Situations
A great many problems can be avoided by taking common sense measures:
- Do not go barefoot, especially on beaches, to avoid hook worms responsible for creeping eruptions. Wearing good footwear helps to avoid Jigger Flea bites
- Do not swim in, or have contact with, fresh water in Africa, South America or the Middle East to avoid Bilharzia
- Beware of local treatments, sometimes these can be very good but other times they can be appalling. Always offer your own syringes and needles for treatment to avoid the potential of infection of Hepatitis B and HIV.
- Where possible use medication bought in the UK or from reputable sources in major cities,there is a worldwide problem with counterfeit and sub-standard medicines.
- Maintain good personal hygiene. Always clean your hands before handling any food or drink ideally with soap and water, allow to dry thoroughly before touching food. Alternatively use wet wipes.
Remember - You may have washed your hands after using the toilet but many people don't so anything they touch can be potentially contaminated.