Travel: disease and precautions

While travelling abroad it is important for your baby or toddler that precautions are taken to prevent diseases, such as malaria, cholera etc.

Disease	Risk area	Vaccination
Cholera	Africa, Asia, Middle East, especially in conditions of poor hygiene and sanitation.	Two injections. Cholera is contracted from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Malaria	Africa, Asia, Central and South America; possibly southern Europe and United States (check before travelling).	None, but anti-malarial tablets must be taken before, during and for a month after your trip.
Polio	Everywhere except Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.	Given as a routine to babies in the UK.
Rabies	Many parts of the world, including Europe.	Not routine, but ask for advice as it is recommended for travel to remote areas.
Tetanus	Occurs worldwide, but greatest risk in areas where children are not immunized.	Given as a routine to babies in the UK.
TB	Africa, Asia, Central and South America, some poorer inner city areas elsewhere.	Skin test and injection, preferably three months before travel. Not necessary for short visits and when staying in modern hotels, but advisable for longer visits if you will be living or working closely with the local population.
Typhoid	Everywhere except Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, in conditions of poor hygiene and sanitation.	Two injections, 4–6 weeks apart. Typhoid is contracted from drinking contaminated water.
Yellow fever	Africa and South America.	One injection at least ten days before travelling. Infants under nine months should not be vaccinated, and should not therefore be exposed to the disease.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 30.06.2010

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