Take Preventative Measures Against Infectious Diseases: British Overseas Travellers Warned - Association Of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 04 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Health experts from the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (A.B.H) have issued a warning to all British families who are planning to visit their friends and families specifically to South Asian countries and Saudi Arabia during the summer holiday period, that they must take preventative measures against life- threatening infectious diseases like Meningitis, Hepatitis and Malaria.

Travellers are strongly urged to speak to their GP, practise nurse or travel clinic up to eight weeks before travelling to get the best advice on protection. If they have to take medication, they should follow the instructions carefully and remember they might need to start taking medication some time before their trip and be continued for a period after returning to the UK.

Health experts reminded travellers that Meningitis vaccination is a mandatory legal requirement by the Saudi authorities to issue you an entry visa for Saudi Arabia. If you are travelling to Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and other South Asian countries, then your health is always at risk. South Asian countries are Malaria; Hepatitis high risk areas- Take this threat seriously and prevent Malaria by taking anti-Malarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites.

"Similarly get the vaccination against Hepatitis. The risk of infection is greater for travellers who are visiting places where sanitation is basic. Most people catch Hepatitis abroad by consuming contaminated food or water. You must not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, manicure tools or other items that could bear contamination blood to avoid Hepatitis. Be safe than sorry." Said the health experts in their joint statement.

Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (A.B.H)