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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Travel Medicine
African Trypanosomiasis (African Sleeping Sickness)
African Trypanosomiasis (African Sleeping Sickness) What is African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness)? African trypanosomiasis, also called African sleeping sickness, is a systemic disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by the bite of the infected tsetse fly. There are two types of the disease, named for the areas of Africa in which they are found. West African trypanosomiasis, which causes a chronic infection lasting years, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. East Af...
After You Return
After You Return Returning from travel abroad After routine travel for short amounts of time, a medical examination is usually not necessary once you return home. The CDC has no official guidelines for screening international travelers who do not show any symptoms of a disease except in special populations, such as refugees or international adoptees. However, in certain circumstances, it is advisable to be seen by your doctor. Those circumstances include: People who have fever, diarrhea, vomiting, jaund...
Air Travel
Air Travel Healthy considerations during air travel Air travel has become so commonplace, that many people think of it as routine as taking the bus was in years past. However, particularly on longer flights, air travel may pose some discomforts you should be aware of. The following are tips, which are especially useful for those traveling internationally, those who may be on airplanes for long periods of time, or passengers crossing multiple time zones. Tips for making air travel more comfortable and mo...
BSE ('Mad Cow Disease') and vCJD
BSE ('Mad Cow Disease') and vCJD “Mad Cow Disease” actually refers to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a disease first described in 1996 in cattle, which is related to a disease in humans called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Both disorders are universally fatal brain diseases caused by a prion--a protein particle that lacks nucleic acid (DNA) and is believed to be the cause of various infectious diseases of the nervous system. The link between the agent that causes human deaths from v...
Cholera
Cholera What is cholera? Cholera is an acute, infectious disease caused by the consumption of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae . Cholera is a public health concern in developing countries all over the world, especially in Africa, south Asia, and Latin America. Cases among travelers to and from developed countries are rare; however, some outbreaks in the United States have been caused by contaminated seafood brought into the country by travelers. What causes cholera? Vibrio c...
Common Health Problems Associated With Travel in Developing Countries
Common Health Problems Associated With Travel in Developing Countries According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following are some of the most common health problems associated with travel to developing countries: Traveler's diarrhea (by far the most common risk since it affects up to 80 percent of international travelers based on the destination) Enterotoxic E. coli diarrhea Malaria Acute febrile respiratory tract infections Influenza Less common...
Cruise Ships
Cruise Ships How is sanitation on cruise ships monitored? Every ship that carries 13 or more passengers and has a foreign or international itinerary with United States ports is under the jurisdiction of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). This program is monitored by the CDC. These vessels are inspected (unannounced) twice a year, and are subject to reinspection, when necessary. Inspections focus on: The ship's water supply (to determine how water is stored, distributed, protected, and disinfected) The...
Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis What is cryptosporidiosis? Cryptosporidiosis, sometimes referred to as "Crypto," is a diarrheal infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium . The parasite is most commonly acquired after drinking or swallowing food or water contaminated with feces, including water swallowed while swimming. Infection can also occur after contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with feces, and from person-to-person contact with an infected individual. Because the parasite is protected by an ou...
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever What is dengue fever? Dengue (pronounced den gee) is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, with the greatest risks occurring in: South Pacific South Central Asia Caribbean Central and South America Africa Dengue fever occurs most often in urban areas, but may be found in rural areas. Transmission of the virus, via Aedes mosquitoes, usually occurs during and shortly after the rainy season. These mosquitoes are most active durin...
Diarrhea
Diarrhea Click Image to Enlarge What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool, or increased frequency, or both, when compared to a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own. Diarrhea may be acute (short-term), which is usually related to bacterial or viral infections, or chronic (long-term), which is usually related to a functional disorder or intestinal disease. What causes diarrhea? Diarrhea may be caused by a number of conditions, including...
Diarrheal Diseases
Diarrheal Diseases Several diarrheal diseases affect travelers abroad. Listed in the directory below are some of these diseases, for which we have provided a brief overview. Cryptosporidiosis Diarrhea Traveler's Diarrhea Salmonella Infections Giardiasis
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Emerging Infectious Diseases What are emerging infectious diseases? According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, emerging infectious diseases are commonly defined as: Outbreaks of previously unknown diseases Known diseases that are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range in the last two decades Emerging diseases include HIV infections, SARS, Lyme disease, Escherichia coli O157:H7 ( E. coli ), hantavirus, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. Re-emerging diseases are d...
Escherichia coli O157:H7
Escherichia coli O157:H7 What is E. coli O157:H7? Escherichia coli (or simply E. coli) is one of the many groups of bacteria that live in the intestines of healthy humans and most warm-blooded animals. E. coli bacteria help maintain the balance of normal intestinal flora (bacteria) against harmful bacteria and synthesize or produce some vitamins. However, there are hundreds of types or strains of E. coli bacteria. Different strains of E. coli have different distinguishing characteristics. A particular s...
Fish Poisoning
What is fish poisoning? At certain times of the year, various species of fish and shellfish contain poisonous biotoxins, even if well cooked. According to the CDC, it is considered an under-recognized risk for travelers, specifically in the tropics and subtropics. Certain fish--groupers, barracudas, moray eel, sturgeon, sea bass, red snapper, amberjack, mackerel, parrot fish, surgeonfish, and triggerfish--can cause ciguatera fish poisoning. The CDC recommends never eating moray eel or barracuda. Other t...
Giardiasis
Giardiasis What is giardiasis? Giardiasis is an infectious diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis ), which can be transmitted through oral-fecal contact and by water contaminated by feces. Travelers are cautioned against drinking any untreated water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in the world. It is most prevalent in developi...
Glossary - Travel Medicine
Glossary - Travel Medicine | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) - a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread by sexual contact with an infected pa...
High-Risk Diseases for Travelers
High-Risk Diseases for Travelers Many diseases pose a high risk for travelers. Listed in the directory below are some of the diseases, for which we have provided a brief overview. African Trypanosomiasis ("African Sleeping Sickness") BSE ("Mad Cow Disease") and vCJD HIV / AIDS Cholera E. coli Dengue Fever Diarrheal Diseases Cryptosporidiosis Diarrhea Traveler's Diarrhea Salmonella Infections Giardiasis Encephalitis Fish Poisoning Hepatitis A Influenza Lyme Disease Malaria Meningitis Rabies Severe Acute ...
HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS What is AIDS? AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread by sexual contact with an infected partner. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of an HIV infection. Official criteria for the definition of AIDS are developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent...
Home Page - Travel Medicine
Topic Index Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad Staying Healthy While You Travel Common Health Problems Associated With Travel in Developing Countries Safety While Traveling Abroad What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling Traveling With Special Needs Planning To Travel Emerging Infectious Diseases High Risk Diseases for Travelers After You Return Glossary Travel medicine is a specialized area of health care that focuses on the needs of travelers, particularly those who travel to other c...
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (Flu) What is influenza (flu)? Influenza (or flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection. An estimated 5 to 20 percent of people in the U.S. get influenza each year. Influenza is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and a nonproductive cough. Influenza can make people of any age ill. Although most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Influenza can also lead t...
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease What are the dangers of tick bites? While most tick bites are harmless, several species can transmit life-threatening diseases. Two of these well-known diseases are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. Ticks can also transmit tularemia (a plague-like disease in rodents that can be transmitted to man), relapsing fever, and ehrlichiosis (an abrupt illness consisting of fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss). What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease (LD) is a multi-stage, multi-sy...
Malaria
Malaria What is malaria? Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes are present in the tropics and subtropics in almost all countries. Nearly all cases of malaria in the U.S. are in people who have traveled internationally. Malaria is the most deadly of all tropical parasitic diseases. After the parasites enter the body by a mosquito bite, they disappear from the circulating blood within an hour and gather in th...
Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad
Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad In case of illness, American citizens traveling abroad should be aware of the services that are offered by the U.S. embassies and consulates. U.S. consular officers can assist in locating medical services, transferring funds, and informing relatives of a health condition. However, they cannot act as lawyers or bankers. Additionally, payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler. The Medicare program does not provide covera...
Meningitis
Meningitis What is meningitis? Click Image to Enlarge Meningitis is a disease caused by an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain. The inflammation is usually caused by infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are three meninges, including the following: Dura mater. This is the outside membrane that adheres to the inside of the skull. Arachnoid. This is the middle membrane. Pia mater . This is the innermost membrane, which adheres to the brain. Wha...
Online Resources - Travel Medicine
Online Resources - Travel Medicine This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page conta...
Planning To Travel
Planning To Travel Planning to travel takes time and special preparation. Listed in the directory below are some considerations that will need to be made before you travel, for which we have provided a brief overview. Routine Vaccination Recommendations Special Vaccination Requirements Traveler's Checklist Traveler's First Aid Kit Cruise Ships Air Travel
Rabies
Rabies What are the dangers of animal bites? Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease. Cat scratches, for examples, even from a kitten can carry "cat scratch disease," a bacterial infection. Other animals can transmit rabies and tetanus. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to become infected. What is the immediat...
Routine Vaccination Recommendations
Routine Vaccination Recommendations What vaccinations are routinely recommended for adults, adolescents, and children? According to the CDC, there are presently 16 diseases that have recommended vaccination schedules. The goal is for all U.S. citizens to receive these vaccinations to prevent the spread of these infectious diseases, and ultimately to eradicate them. Specific vaccine recommendations vary depending on age, geographic location, and other risk factors. These basic vaccinations are often give...
Safety While Traveling Abroad
Safety While Traveling Abroad Millions of Americans travel abroad each year. Safety should be a prime consideration for anyone traveling outside the United States. There are certain precautions that travelers can take to improve their safety while abroad. Motor vehicle safety while traveling Injuries from motor vehicle crashes pose the greatest risk of injury to international travelers, according to the CDC. The risk of death from motor vehicle crashes is many times higher in other countries than in the...
Salmonella Infections
Salmonella Infections What are Salmonella infections? Salmonella infections are diarrheal infections caused by the bacteria Salmonella. The Salmonella germ is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans. There are many different kinds of Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella are transmitted from feces of people or animals to other people or animals. Contaminated foods are often animal in origin, such as beef, poultry, seafood, milk, or eggs. However, all foods, including some unwas...
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Click Image to Enlarge What is SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a rapidly spreading, potentially fatal infectious viral disease. According to the CDC, SARS was recognized as a global threat in March 2003. The viral disease first appeared in Southern China in November 2002 and spread to more than 24 countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. By the spring of 2004, the outbreak appeared to be over. Although they were dealing with ...
Special Vaccination Requirements
Special Vaccination Requirements Before traveling to any destination outside the United States, it is important to review your vaccination schedule with your doctor. This should be done as far in advance as possible so that any special vaccinations can be scheduled and administered. The CDC recommends that people planning to travel review the vaccines below with their doctor before travel begins. The primary vaccine series Review your immunization history with your doctor and be sure that infants and ch...
Staying Healthy While You Travel
Staying Healthy While You Travel Preventing illness or injury is a big part of making your trip relaxing and enjoyable. Because some destinations have environments that may be very different from the area you live in, and travel to developing countries pose certain extra risks, it is important to take certain precautions. Healthy preparations before you travel If you are planning to travel outside the United States, the CDC recommends that you: Prepare a complete travel itinerary, listing each destinati...
Topic Index - Travel Medicine
Topic Index - Travel Medicine Travel Medicine Home Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad Staying Healthy While You Travel Common Health Problems Associated With Travel in Developing Countries Safety While Traveling Abroad What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling Traveling With Special Needs Traveling With Children Traveling With Chronic Conditions Traveling With Diabetes Traveling With HIV Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding Planning To Travel Routine Vaccination Recommendations Spe...
Traveler's Checklist
Traveler's Checklist Before you travel, the following checklist will help you to prepare for a safe and healthy trip: Schedule an appointment with your doctor well in advance of your trip. Have necessary immunizations for your destination. Check insurance coverage for travel abroad. Have your insurance information cards and claim forms with you. Get a letter from your doctor regarding your health history, medications, allergies, and immunization records. Have an emergency release form. Complete the insi...
Traveler's Diarrhea
Traveler's Diarrhea What is traveler's diarrhea? Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is a term used to describe the diarrhea caused by infection with bacteria, protozoa, or viruses ingested by consuming food or water that has been contaminated. It is the most common illness affecting travelers. About 80 to 90 percent of TD cases are caused by bacterial pathogens-- Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni , Shigella sp., and Salmonella sp. Ten percent of TD cases in long-term travelers are caused by the protozoal pat...
Traveler's First-Aid Kit
Traveler's First Aid Kit What should a traveler's first aid kit include? The American College of Emergency Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage travelers to pack a first-aid kit or a travel health kit so that common medical emergencies can be properly handled should they occur. Pack the following items in your carry-on bag and keep it with you at all times: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or aspirin to relieve headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains Antihis...
Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding Special considerations for traveling while pregnant Although traveling during pregnancy is normal and occurs rather frequently, it is important for pregnant women to consider potential problems that could arise when considering international travel. Pregnant women should also weigh the availability of quality medical care in the countries they are visiting, before traveling abroad. Preconceptual immunizations are preferred over vaccination during pregnancy. Acco...
Traveling With Children
Traveling With Children Traveling with children can bring great rewards as well as great challenges for parents. With worldwide travel becoming more and more common, many families are taking children with them to all parts of the globe. Many of the same precautions that apply to adults also apply to children. However, because of a child's limited immunity to diseases, food and water precautions, as well as limiting their exposure to disease, are even more important. Immunization information for children...
Traveling with Chronic Conditions
Traveling with Chronic Conditions Taking special care when traveling with chronic conditions Chronic conditions should not keep people from enjoying travel. As with other medical conditions, people suffering from chronic diseases should see their doctor as early as possible before traveling and discuss any risks that may be involved, as well as plan for immunizations, medication, and other medical devices that may be needed before or during the period of travel. Air travel may pose certain risks for cer...
Traveling with Diabetes
Traveling with Diabetes Planning ahead is the key to traveling with diabetes. People with diabetes can enjoy all kinds of recreational travel from a week at the beach, to camping in the Rockies, to sightseeing across Europe. The American Diabetes Association provides the helpful suggestions below for people with diabetes who are planning to travel. Taking special care when traveling with diabetes Be sure to have a complete medical examination well before you travel to make sure your diabetes is under co...
Traveling With HIV
Traveling With HIV For people with HIV, travel can pose specific risks. According to the CDC, travel, especially to developing countries, can increase the risk of contracting opportunistic infections. These infections are referred to as opportunistic because a person's weakened immune system gives the infection the opportunity to develop. The risk varies according to the CD4 cell count. People at highest risk are those with a CD4 cell count of less than 200 per cubic millimeter or a history of an AIDS-r...
Traveling With Special Needs
Traveling With Special Needs Traveling with special needs requires careful planning. Listed in the directory below are some considerations that will need to be made before traveling with special needs, for which we have provided a brief overview. Traveling With Children Traveling With Chronic Conditions Traveling With Diabetes Traveling With HIV Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) Click Image to Enlarge What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection that usually infects the lungs, although other organs such as the kidneys, spine, or brain are sometimes involved. TB is primarily an airborne disease. There is a difference between being infected with the TB bacterium and having active tuberculosis disease. There are three important ways to describe the stages of TB. They are as follows: Exposure. This occurs when a person has been in conta...
Types of Arbovirus Encephalitis
Types of Arbovirus Encephalitis What is encephalitis? Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that is frequently caused by a viral infection. The viruses are called arboviruses and are transmitted to people and animals by insects. In rural areas, arboviruses that are carried by mosquitoes or ticks are the most common cause of arboviral infection, which is often mild, but can progress to encephalitis. While there have been outbreaks in recent years in the United States of several forms of encephalit...
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid Fever What is typhoid fever? Typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi ( S. typhi ). According to the CDC, typhoid fever affects about 22 million people in the world each year. The incidence of typhoid fever in U.S. citizens and residents is low, with the majority of cases being acquired while traveling internationally. How is typhoid fever spread? S. typhi live only in humans, and are carried in the bloodstream and intesti...
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers What are viral hemorrhagic fevers? Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) is a term that refers to a group of illnesses caused by several distinct families of viruses. While some types of hemorrhagic fever viruses cause illnesses that are relatively mild, many of these cause severe, life-threatening diseases with no known cures. Perhaps the most well-known of this group of diseases is the Ebola virus, made famous by the movie Outbreak . Hemorrhagic fever viruses are caused by viruses of...
What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling
What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling Becoming ill while traveling in a foreign country can be frightening, so it is best to be prepared before you leave home. Taking the following measures can minimize inconvenience and distress should you become ill while traveling in a foreign country. Preventing illnesses before you leave: Check insurance coverage with your carrier and specifically identify whether or not you are covered while traveling abroad. Ask for advice on medical care while traveling. If...
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever What is yellow fever? Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Although it is a rare disease, many countries require that visitors have the yellow fever vaccination prior to entering the country. Generally, yellow fever only occurs in certain areas of Africa and South America. In South America (especially Brazil), infections occur sporadically, and usually among forestry and agricultural workers. In Africa, infections occur primarily in the tropical...
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SEARCH HEALTH LIBRARY
FIND A PHYSICIAN
WELLNESS LECTURES & EVENTS
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2170 South Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
96150
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