## Can You Be Sick for Years After Traveling to Africa?
Africa is a vast continent with a diverse range of climates and ecosystems. As such, it is home to a wide variety of diseases and parasites that can pose a threat to travelers. While many of these diseases are preventable with vaccination or medication, some can still cause serious illness or even death.
Common Diseases Acquired in Africa
Some of the most common diseases that travelers to Africa can acquire include:
Malaria: A mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, chills, sweating, headache, and muscle pain. If left untreated, malaria can be fatal.
Yellow fever: A mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. Yellow fever is also preventable with vaccination.
Dengue fever: A mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. Dengue fever is usually not fatal, but it can be very uncomfortable.
Schistosomiasis: A water-borne disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Schistosomiasis can also lead to liver damage and kidney failure.
Typhoid fever: A bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, and diarrhea. Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics.
Long-Term Health Effects of Travel to Africa
In some cases, travelers to Africa can develop long-term health problems after returning home. These problems can include:
Post-malaria syndrome: A condition that can occur after a bout of malaria. Symptoms can include fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and difficulty concentrating.
Chronic schistosomiasis: A condition that can occur after repeated exposure to schistosomes. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, and liver damage.
Hepatitis B: A viral infection that can cause liver damage. Hepatitis B is preventable with vaccination.
HIV/AIDS: A viral infection that can lead to AIDS. HIV is preventable with condom use and avoiding contact with infected blood.
Preventing Illness When Traveling to Africa
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick when traveling to Africa. These include:
Get vaccinated. There are vaccines available for many of the diseases that are common in Africa.
Take medication. There are medications available to prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Use insect repellent. Insect repellent can help to keep mosquitoes and other insects away from you.
Wear long sleeves and pants. Long sleeves and pants can help to protect you from mosquito bites.
Avoid swimming in fresh water. Fresh water can be contaminated with schistosomes.
Eat only cooked food. Cooked food is less likely to be contaminated with bacteria or parasites.
Drink only bottled water. Bottled water is less likely to be contaminated with bacteria or parasites.
If You Get Sick After Traveling to Africa
If you get sick after traveling to Africa, it is important to see a doctor right away. Tell your doctor about your travel history and symptoms. Your doctor will be able to test you for any diseases that you may have acquired.
Treatment for Diseases Acquired in Africa
The treatment for diseases acquired in Africa will vary depending on the specific disease. However, most diseases can be treated with medication.
Conclusion
Traveling to Africa can be a great experience. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of getting sick. By taking the proper precautions, you can reduce your risk of getting sick and enjoying your trip.