Health

There are numerous illness and diseases throughout Africa and many of them have similar symptoms.

Below is a basic rundown on some of the more common diseases in Africa

Aids - HIV and other venereal diseases are widespread throughout Africa and it goes without saying that very strict precautions should always be taken. If there is a possibility the you will have sexual contact with an unknown individual you should take with you your own supplies of condoms.

Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) - Many inland waters in Africa, especially the central region are infected with Bilharzia, which is caused by parasites that live and breed in specific freshwater snails. When these larvae are released into the water they are capable of penetrating unbroken skin of their human host. The disease is carried by humans and spread by people urinating in the water.

Cholera - A public health concern in most African countries and is a bacterial disease transmitted mainly through contamination of food and water. Person to person transmission is rare.

Diarrhoea and sickness - Even if you follow all the rules in the book, travellers diarrhoea is unavoidable in most cases and nearly all travellers to Africa will experience some form of diarrhoea & sickness . Diarrhea can also occur along with abdominal cramps, nausea , vomiting and fever

malaria risk levels
 

Malaria is probably Africa's No. 1 most widely spread disease and in most regions of Africa you should take protective measures. On the whole (excluding Cerebral Malaria ), if treatment is sought and preventative medicines are taken, Malaria does not usually kill.