For those who travel in Africa the risk of contracting bilharzia must always be considered. This is a blood fluke infection with adult male and female worms living over a life-span of many years in certain veins of the infected person. The infection is acquired from contact with water containing free-swimming larval forms of the parasites which have developed inside infected freshwater snails.

Infection occurs through penetration of your skin by free swimming larvae called cercaria. These parasites secrete enzymes that break down the skin’s protein enabling it to penetrate and spread to the lungs and onto the urinary tract or intestines. Continue reading Beware of bilharzia  when you travel in Africa →

One of the biggest and most common health risks when travelling in Africa is Malaria. Before you venture into Africa, find out if you are entering a Malaria high risk area. If you are, you must take prophylaxis. Remember that even in winter when it is cooler and the risk less, water still acts as breeding ground for mosquitoes. Continue reading All you need to know about Malaria →