Typhoid fever can be a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Typically, typhoid is spread through sewage contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s estimated that between 11 – 20 million people contract typhoid each year with roughly 128,000 – 161,000 cases resulting in death (WHO). There are currently two vaccine options as well as antibiotic treatments available to treat typhoid.
Travelling is an exciting time in everyone’s life. It’s an opportunity to visit different places, view different cultures and more. It can be chaotic, too, but in a good kind of way. We have to make sure that we have everything we need for the trip, all packed up. This includes any prescription medications that you may be taking. If you have medicines that need to stay cold during your trip, here are a few tips for you.
E. Coli and Salmonella are both germs that cause food poisoning when eaten. They’re found in raw or under-cooked foods. When ingested they both cause similar symptoms. But, the two are different pathogens and cause symptoms at different points in time after exposure.
Anthrax is commonly found in camels and other livestock around the world.
There are multiple different types of anthrax, all of which can be deadly if left untreated. Because of this the illness has been used for many acts of aggression over the last century.
But, anthrax didn’t just come about over the last 100 years.
The origins of anthrax are estimated to go back as far as 700 B.C. in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Rome and ancient Greece are also thought to have experienced the disease, with some considering anthrax to have played a part in Rome’s downfall.
Norovirus, more commonly known as the stomach flu, has caused many recent outbreaks across the United States.
The “stomach flu”, where individuals experience vomiting and diarrhea, is usually associated with influenza. Although, according to the CDC, the symptoms of influenza are not the same and are mainly respiratory. The “stomach flu” can be caused by other various viruses and bacteria.
The stomach flu can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach pain and projectile vomiting. Anyone who’s had a bout with both norovirus and the flu will note the much-worse stomach symptoms with the former.
And if you’re worried about catching the stomach flu this year, your blood type could make a big difference in infection. That’s because a new study has shown that your blood type may increase your chances of getting sick.
One of the most popular travel destinations is Europe. Whether it’s a summer getaway or a winter holiday away from home, Europe has become a premier travel destination for US citizens. But, many travelers don’t realize that they may still need vaccinations before going even to these well-developed countries.
We know that motion sickness happens when your inner ear does not sense the movement that your eyes are seeing. It mostly happens to people who travel by land, sea, and air. Altitude sickness is not all that different, it is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness. It occurs when one ascends to a higher altitude too quickly. If left untreated, it can become a serious health problem quickly.
Sounding like something out of a horror movie, a smallpox demon is actually far more scientific.
Or a mix of science and centuries-old Japanese history.
Although eradicated in 1980, smallpox created fear for centuries across the globe. The infectious disease caused a fever, vomiting, sores and skin rash. It even led to bumps that would scab and leave scars all over the body.
The smallpox demon comes from Japanese culture and believed to be the source of all smallpox epidemics in Japan. In medieval times, people would try to appease or attack the demon since there was no other source of reliable, effective treatment.
Voluntourism, otherwise known as Volunteer Tourism, continues to be a popular alternative to the normal vacation.
A traveler can visit some exotic region with the purpose of volunteering. It can be an excellent way for individuals to learn about a different culture and explore a country while helping those in need.
Many voluntours are in areas of the world where there’s a need and the volunteers supply the means. This can come in the form of time, money or any other need for an impoverished area.
Voluntourism has boomed in popularity since 2005, but there are some clear advantages and disadvantages that come along with the practice. Not everyone is as enthusiastic about it as others.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease from the rhabdovirus family. When thinking about rabies, most people think of wild animals, intense drooling, and aggression. In North America rabies is typically found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons and foxes. But, in other areas of the world the most common carrier of rabies is dogs.
