Health Risks for Tourists

Health Risks for Tourists

• Tourists should seek advice on potential health risks in their travel destinations.
• Risks include unusual climate effects, insect/animal contact, and physical injuries.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• WHO is a UN agency focused on international public health.
• Founded on April 7, 1948, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Played a crucial role in smallpox eradication.
• Current priorities include communicable (e.g., HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB) and non-communicable diseases, sexual/reproductive health, development/aging, nutrition, food security, occupational health, substance abuse.
• Also involved with reporting, publications, and networking.

Health Certificates

• Official documents issued by health authorities.
• Confirm vaccine/prophylactic administration.

Travel Clinics

• Provide specialized international travel health care.
• Address infectious disease transmission concerns.

Vaccinations

• Worldwide vaccination programs significantly reduced deaths.
• Vaccinations reduce disease risk in high-risk destinations.
• WHO determines compulsory vaccinations.
• Recommended vaccinations are precautionary, not enforced.

High-Risk Destinations

• Destinations in regions posing health threats are considered high-risk.
• Areas with malaria, bilharzia, and cholera are considered high-risk.

Malaria

• Potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquito bites.
• Precautions include:
• Anti-malarial prophylactics
• Avoiding nighttime outdoor activity
• Wearing protective clothing
• Mosquito repellent for sleeping areas
• Mosquito nets and insecticide use
• Avoiding still water/dark damp places

Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis)

• Caused by parasites in fresh water.
• Precautions include:
• Avoiding swimming in fresh water
• Drinking boiled/filtered water
• Bathing in hot water (65°C+) to kill parasites
• Thorough drying after bathing

Cholera

• Bacterial disease transmitted by contaminated food/water, often in unsanitary areas.
• Precautions include:
• Boiling, sterilizing, or filtering water
• Proper cooking of food
• Avoiding raw/undercooked seafood and local salads
• Avoiding street vendor food/drinks
• Swimming only in chlorinated pools

Vaccinations for High-Risk Areas

• Vaccination proof is often required for entry/exit from high-risk countries.
• Yellow fever vaccination is an example.

Tuberculosis (TB) Risk for Inbound Tourists

• Preventable and curable bacterial disease.
• Prevalent in South Africa.
• Risk factors include:
• Flights exceeding eight hours, seated near infected passengers
• Overcrowded transport/accommodations
• Time spent in poorly ventilated/overcrowded spaces (indoor events/festivals)

HIV/AIDS Risk for Inbound Tourists

• No vaccine available.
• Awareness of the risk necessary.

General Health Precautions (WHO's "Six I's")

• Insects: Repellents and medication.
• Ingestion: Bottled water and uncontaminated food.
• Indiscretion: Preventing HIV.
• Injury: First-aid kit and sunblock.
• Immersion: Avoid freshwater swimming.
• Insurance: Preventative medicine and medical insurance.

Importance of Tourism in South Africa

• Tourism generates income.
• Creates jobs
• Drives infrastructure and community development.