Travelers and Infectious Diseases: Traveling Outside the U.S.
Tetanus, is a problem typically found in tropical climates. All that is needed is a booster shot. The infection, caused by the clostridium family of bacteria, is spread by a piercing of the skin. Once the booster shot is obtained, a person is assumed immune for about five years. Diphtheria is another bacterial infection associated with tainted water. Those who are planning a trip to any country where sanitation is poor should obtain protective immunization.
Contrary to common belief, polio hasn't been eliminated world wide. It remains viable in most of the developing world. When traveling abroad, one should obtain a polio booster before embarking on the trip.
Hepatitis A is an infectious virus that may be found in the food and water supplies of most third world developing countries. It is typically found in areas where proper sanitation is a problem. It has been estimated that one in every thousand tourists contracts the virus. There is a vaccine available, but other measures, suggested by the CDC and tour guides, will help protect the traveler as an adjunct to the vaccine.
Meningitis is a very dangerous and sometimes fatal disease. Theoretically, up to thirty (30) percent of the world's population has the meningococcal bacteria in their nasal cavities, and through contact with a person who does not, one can easily transmit the infectious bacteria from one person to the next. In areas of the world where meningitis is considered a threat, the bacterial infection is considered to be not only present in certain populations, but a very real threat to those not immunized before traveling.
Another dangerous infection threatening the traveler is typhoid. This infection, caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, is found to be resistant to a large number of antibiotics. If one is immunosuppressed, or has certain preexisting conditions such as sickle cell anemia, it is highly recommended that they receive proper immunization. There are two ways the traveler may be immunized. One is to have two injections given one month apart. The other, oral ingestion of tablets given over a period of one week. If there are any doubts concerning a traveler's immune system, consultation with a physician is a necessity.
There are many other considerations that should be addressed, but these are typically reserved for persons who visit third world countries for an extended period of time. These include hepatitis B, Japanese B encephalitis, plague, and the rabies vaccine. In these
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