Dangerous infections from vacation: which diseases can be brought from abroad in summer

Despite the war in Ukraine, many citizens travel abroad for vacations in the summer to rest and recover. Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Spain, Italy, Thailand, and other popular tourist destinations attract thousands of Ukrainians every year. At the same time, travels can hide not only pleasant impressions but also health risks.

Doctors warn that some infectious diseases common in other countries are rare or not characteristic in Ukraine. Therefore, tourists may bring home dangerous diseases they do not even suspect.

Malaria: a dangerous disease transmitted by mosquitoes

Malaria remains one of the most dangerous infections in the world. The disease is widespread in many countries of Africa, South Asia, Central and South America.

The infection is transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms may appear several days or even weeks after returning home. These include high fever, chills, severe weakness, headache, and muscle pain.

Without timely treatment, malaria can be life-threatening.

Dengue fever: rapidly spreading worldwide

In recent years, the number of dengue fever cases has significantly increased. The infection is most often found in countries of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and some resorts in the Caribbean basin.

The disease is also transmitted through mosquito bites. It is characterized by high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, and pronounced weakness.

In severe cases, dengue can lead to serious complications.

Hepatitis A: infection from dirty hands and contaminated water

Viral hepatitis A is common in many countries with warm climates and insufficient sanitation.

Infection can occur through water, food, or dirty hands. Ice in drinks, unwashed vegetables and fruits, and food purchased from street vendors can be especially dangerous.

Symptoms include nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

Intestinal infections: the most common problem for tourists

One of the most frequent reasons travelers seek medical help remains intestinal infections.

Salmonellosis, shigellosis, rotavirus infection, typhoid fever, and even cholera can be transmitted through poor-quality water and food.

The risk increases when consuming raw seafood, insufficiently cooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and dishes from street food establishments.

Parasitic diseases: a danger often forgotten

In tropical countries, tourists can become infected with various parasitic infections.

Some parasites enter the body through contaminated water or food, others during swimming in freshwater bodies or contact with contaminated soil.

Such diseases can remain asymptomatic for a long time and manifest only after returning from vacation.

Rabies: risk after contact with animals

While vacationing abroad, tourists often come into contact with stray dogs, cats, or even monkeys.

Doctors emphasize: any bite, scratch, or contact of animal saliva with damaged skin is a reason for immediate medical attention.

Rabies is a deadly disease, but timely vaccination after contact with an animal can prevent the development of the disease.

How to reduce the risk of infection during travel

Experts advise checking the epidemic situation in the destination country before the trip and finding out if additional vaccinations are needed.

During the vacation, it is recommended to:

• drink only bottled or boiled water;
• wash hands regularly;
• avoid questionable street food;
• thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits;
• use insect repellents;
• avoid contact with stray animals.

When to see a doctor after traveling

After returning from abroad, do not ignore symptoms such as:

• high fever;
• rash;
• prolonged diarrhea;
• vomiting;
• jaundice;
• severe weakness;
• unexplained muscle or joint pain.

In such cases, it is necessary to inform the doctor about recent travel. This will help to establish the correct diagnosis faster and start treatment.

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