The Re-emergence of Tropical Diseases
by Dr David Rutherford After my own return to overseas travel after an enforced three year gap, it reignited my passion for travel once again and gave me a chance to reflect on what I have learned from seeing others prepare for their trips.
Consider Q Fever Vaccination
Dr Olga Ilic – GP Shepparton Travel Clinic Q fever is a disease found within Australia – yet many Aussies have never heard of it. Despite there being an effective vaccine, Q Fever continues to cause illness and suffering. Q fever most commonly causes an illness resembling the flu. Symptoms may include high fevers, joint […]
The Australian Quarantine Experience – Doctors perspective
Dr Jo-Anne Grey MBBS FRACGP MPH DTMH CTH® TMA member based in Melbourne Since the bottom fell out of international travel with the global spread of the SARS-CoV2 and the subsequent declaration of the pandemic by the WHO, my life as a day-to-day travel medicine practitioner has changed dramatically. As part of the Victorian Department […]
Ebola Outbreak
Ebola Outbreak According to the WHO as of 5th September 2014, there have been 2105 deaths from Ebola (probable, confirmed and suspected), in 4 countries, Sierra Lone, Nigeria, Liberia and Guinea.
Philippines and Thailand – Leptospirosis Risk
The Philippines is regularly battered by tropical cyclones that bring flooding to large portions of the country from late May to early December. Leptospirosis is a disease associated with freshwater flooding and is an infection commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine (usually rats), and comes in contact […]
Hantavirus
No vaccines will prevent this one though being knowledgeable of your accommodation and environment might help. This rare, but rather topical virus is carried by rodents and can be passed on via contact with their excrement. It occurs in both North and South America and East Asia and was first isolated in 1978 in Korea. No known […]
Europe – Tick Encephalitis
Recently a US family have been awarded $41.7 million in compensation for their daughter catching Tick Encephalitis on a school trip to China. More info. The disease is quite rare in China but is not uncommon in Europe. Most Australians have never heard of this disease! Tick Borne Encephalitis is a serious disease carried by […]