Feb 27 • 12:56 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

NVSC: Rare diseases that can be brought back after vacation

The article discusses rare diseases that travelers may encounter and bring back after visiting endemic regions, with a focus on dengue fever and malaria.

The article from Lrytas highlights the risks associated with rare diseases that can be contracted during travel to endemic regions. Rare diseases are characterized as illnesses affecting a small percentage of the population, specifically defined in Europe as no more than 1 in 2,000 individuals. While many rare diseases are genetic, the article emphasizes that a significant number are infectious diseases, such as viral hemorrhagic fevers and various other communicable diseases that travelers should be aware of when visiting tropical and subtropical areas.

One of the primary concerns for travelers are diseases like dengue fever and malaria, which are prevalent in tropical climates. Dengue fever is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, and reports indicate that up to 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, which complicates efforts for early detection and treatment. For those who do experience symptoms, they can include fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting. The article stresses the importance of vaccination when traveling, particularly mentioning the HPV vaccine as a preventative measure for certain cancers.

In conclusion, the discussion urges travelers to stay informed about these diseases and their potential risks, emphasizing that traveling increases the likelihood of contracting and possibly introducing these diseases to non-endemic areas. As international travel resumes, awareness of such health risks is more critical than ever for public health safety.

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