The Health Experts from Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) UK (ABH) a national charity working for the welfare and wellbeing of the British international travellers have launched a campaign to raise awareness of pre-travel health and safety issues amongst British overseas travellers, as summer vacation is approaching fast.

In 2007 there were 12.2 million visits made abroad by UK residents visiting friends and relatives. A substantial number of these travellers tend to visit developing countries such as South Asia, Africa and the Middle East mainly with endemic infectious diseases where a high proportion of these travellers contract avoidable infectious diseases.

The Health Experts from ABH strongly urge the travellers to take preventative measures against life threatening infectious diseases like Meningitis, Malaria, Hepatitis and Typhoid.

Meningitis a bacterial infection spread through contact such as sneezing and coughing.. Immunisation is mandatory to all the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and certificate of vaccination is required to obtain visa from Saudi Embassy.

Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites and travels through the blood and into the liver. There is no vaccine so travellers need to take preventative medication and use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water. It occurs where sanitation and hygiene is poor.. Hepatitis B is highly contagious and can be passed via, blood transfusion or needles. Travellers must not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, manicure tools or other items that could bear contamination blood to avoid Hepatitis.

Typhoid fever a bacterial disease common in many developing countries, it is spread through contaminated food and water.

The Health Experts warn the travellers to protect themselves and others, and to take the threat of contracting infectious diseases abroad seriously. Be safe than sorry! See your doctors and get vaccinated before travelling.

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