UK Holidaymakers Failing To Take Tropical Disease Safeguards

UK holidaymakers jetting off to exotic climes are failing to take basic precautions against debilitating and lethal tropical diseases, says a leading insurance firm.

People travelling into malaria and yellow fever zones are often more conscientious about packing their sun cream than they are about getting life-saving inoculations it said.

Recent health alerts in favourite holiday spots included a warning about an outbreak of chikungunya virus in Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles. The disease is caused by an airborne virus spread by mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

More worrying is the failure to ensure protection against malaria and yellow fever, which will invalidate travel insurance health care if the diseases are then contracted.

"We advise all our customers to research the destination they are visiting and to plan ahead," said a representative of the firm.
"Some jabs have to be administered weeks or months in advance to ensure adequate protection so don't leave it until the last minute."

"Make sure you include inoculations as part of the holiday planning routine, even if it does set you back a few pounds. Just like sun cream inoculations can stop the trip of a lifetime turning into a nightmare."

Malaria and yellow fever are the two most frequent dangers encountered but protection against hepatitis A, polio and rabies may also be recommended in some areas.

You can find information about what inoculations you need for your destination at the World Health Organisation website. Alternatively the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website can give you extensive information country by country.

Do not forget travel insurance, make sure that all the activities you are planning are covered by your policy.

If you would like to know more about travel why not ask AnswerBank Travel.