Maybe you’ve been invited to travel to Nigeria, to help a small village that has no access to primary health care. You’re excited, but nervous; you’ve never travelled outside your home country before, and you don’t know what to expect once you get there. Luckily, the experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have assembled this travel guide to give you advice on how to stay safe while visiting Nigeria. If you follow these guidelines before, during, and after your trip, we can almost guarantee that your Nigerian experience will be one of the most incredible ones of your life.
TRAVEL VACINATIONS FOR NIGERIA
Due to recent updates in vaccination guidelines, some health care workers will require more than what is covered by routine immunizations. Any health care worker that has travelled within three months of a potential assignment should receive one additional dose of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, as well as a booster dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). The booster dose can also be given prior to departure for those at risk for an outbreak or assignments with higher rates of disease. If needed, Hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria prophylaxis medications are available from local sources in most countries.
I thought to share things every health Care Worker needs to know before traveling to Nigeria
Hepatitis B
According to WHO, Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids during sexual contact with an infected person; during childbirth when a baby passes through an infected birth canal or is cut by a used razor blade; by sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment for injecting drugs with someone who has hepatitis B; or through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infectious hepatitis B virus. The likelihood of infection varies depending on mode of transmission. Regardless, it’s important for healthcare workers to know that even minimal contact with patients can pose a risk so avoid tattoos and do not drink tap water (or ice cubes) in cities like Kano, where it may be unclean.
HIV
HIV is a major problem in Nigeria, affecting some 3.1 million people (6% of adults). The virus can be spread through sexual contact and sharing needles. Since HIV is spread via bodily fluids, make sure you use protection against blood-borne pathogens just because you’re having sex with a local doesn’t mean he or she isn’t living with HIV. This is especially important for health care workers who often come into close contact with patients infected with dangerous pathogens, including HIV. If a patient has an open wound or bleeding gums, use caution during dental work and surgical procedures. It’s also wise to wash your hands often and consider using medical gloves if possible; don’t forget hand sanitizer as well.
Polio
It’s still a problem in some areas, so make sure you’re up to date on polio vaccination. Avoid all contact with anyone who has polio and avoid getting water from communal taps or lakes/rivers because they may be contaminated with polio. Polio vaccine is required for entry into Nigeria, but it’s often not available locally. If you don’t get vaccinated before your trip and need it while you’re there, you can get vaccinated at any clinic during your trip if needed. The only risk of side effects is mild soreness where you were injected. More serious side effects are extremely rare but possible; these include flu-like symptoms (fever, aches) that usually last 1–2 days following vaccination.
Food Poisoning
The most common form of food poisoning comes from a nasty bacterium called salmonella, which is found in poultry, eggs, and some kinds of meat. Salmonella causes diarrhoea (often bloody), stomach cramps, and vomiting within 12–72 hours of eating contaminated food. If you’re planning on traveling to one of these countries: Nigeria, Ghana or Cote d’Ivoire or Kenya or Uganda be aware that cases of cholera are also becoming more common. Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that can cause severe dehydration; about 5%–10% of people with cholera die if they don’t receive treatment immediately. The infected person usually has fever, diarrhoea (often bloody), and vomiting.
YELLOW FEEVER
One of many illnesses you can contract in Nigeria is yellow fever. Often seen as a nasty disease, yellow fever should not be underestimated by health care workers traveling overseas. To avoid contracting yellow fever, be sure to have a yellow fever vaccination. It’s available for free at many clinics and can help you avoid a painful death and save you from being stuck in quarantine for up to six months after your trip abroad is over. Get vaccinated before you travel so that you don’t end up regretting it while you’re taking your last breaths on earth.
Bacteria Diseases to be aware
TYPHOID FEVER
Typhoid is an acute bacteria disease caused by salmonella typhi. Typhoid germs are passed in the faces and to some extent the urine of infected people.
INFECTION SOURCES
The germs are spread by eating or drinking water or food contaminated by faces from infected individuals.
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
Typhoid is transmitted mainly by faecal-oral route. Typhoid infection can spread through contaminated drinking water or food.
SYMPTONS
The symptoms generally appear one to three weeks after exposure, the sign of fever, abdominal pain, constipation followed by diarrhoea and ulceration of intestine.
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN
The best protection is to avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated. Also drinking only boiled water and eating only a well-cooked food low the risk of get the disease. Have a pre travel vaccination before travelling to the country.
ANY CURE
Typhoid fatalities are less than 1 percent with antibiotics treatment. The disease is treated with ampicillin and many other antibiotics depend upon the clinical circumstances.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs. It is caused by bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis.
INFECTION SOURCE
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Although TB is spread through the air when people who have the disease cough or sneeze, it takes close contact to catch the disease.
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
The most frequent method of transmission is when a person cough and another person breathe in particles that were expelled from the lungs of the person coughing.
SYMPTOMS
The general symptoms are persistent cough of more than three weeks that bring up phlegm, lack of appetite, weight loss, high temperature above 38, night sweats and bone pain. Individuals will often develop localized discomfort and inflammation that gradually worsens.
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN
Keeping the immune system healthy, get tested regularly.
Vaccination is one major preventive measure against TB. A vaccine called BCG does help strengthen the immune system and make sure you finish your entire course of medication.
ANY CURE
Tuberculosis can be treated with special antibiotics; once treatment starts you will begin to feel better after two to four weeks. The treatment has to continue for 6month, and it is vital to complete the course of the antibiotics.
VIRAL DISEASE MEASLES
Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. It remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Measles is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family.
INFECTION SOURCE
You can catch measles through exposure to airborne droplets spread by an infected person when he or she sneezes or coughs. Particles carrying the virus remain infectious for hours, so even touching a door handle or other infected surface
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
The highly contagious virus is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions.
SYMPTOMS
Measles symptoms are Cough, fever, rash, red watery eyes, runny nose, Sore throat, and white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots).
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN
Vaccination is primary means of prevention. Routine measles vaccination for children, combined with mass immunization campaigns in countries with high case and death rates, are key public health strategies to reduce global measles deaths
ANY CURE
No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus. Severe complications from measles can be avoided though supportive care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and treatment of dehydration.
VIRAL DISEASE INFLUENZA
Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can be prevented by immunization. It is not the same as the “stomach flu.” Flu is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.
INFECTION SOURCE
Influenza viruses are spread from person to person primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission (e.g., when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person).
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
Influenza viruses are spread from person to person primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission (e.g., when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person). Airborne transmission of evaporated droplets that might remain suspended in the air for long periods of time also is thought to be possible, although data supporting airborne transmission are limited.
SYMPTOMS
Influenza symptoms come on quickly in the form of fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe and put you in bed for several days.
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN
Get vaccinated; avoid being exposed to others who are sick with a flu-like illness.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
Clean your hands often – with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer.
ANY CURE
Yes. There are prescription medications called “antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat influenza illness. Antiviral drugs fight influenza viruses in your body. They are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections.
FUNGAL DISEASE CRYPTOCOCCOSIS
Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by fungi that belong to the genus Cryptococcus. Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) is a type of fungus that is found in the soil throughout the world, usually in association with large amounts of bird droppings.
INFECTION SOURCE
Cryptococcosis neoformans spores are typically found in bird droppings (especially pigeon droppings) or in soil contaminated with bird droppings. Humans can become infected after inhaling microscopic, airborne fungal spores from the environment. Cryptococcosis is not known to be spread from person to person, from animal to animal or from animals to humans.
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
Transmission is presumed to be by inhalations of aerosolized organism.
SYMPTONS
Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and fever, headache, confusion, and sharp chest pain.
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN
There is no particular precaution that will prevent cryptococcal disease but wearing PPE like protective shoe, face mask, gloves and effective hand wash is best precaution to take when travel abroad.
ANY CURE
Cryptococcal disease can be treated by antifungal medication and antibiotics such as amphotericin and flucytosine.
Patient with cryptococcosis
PROTOZOAN DISEASE MALARIA
Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. It is caused by the type of parasite known as plasmodium. The first and most important thing every health care worker needs to know is how to protect themselves from malaria. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes and can cause a number of different symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. While usually not deadly, it can still be very dangerous especially for visitors. Keep an eye out for symptoms (and get tested if you have any) and always use mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET during your trip. If you’re traveling outside of cities in rural areas, always bring along insecticide-treated bed nets with you as well! Also be sure to take anti-malarial medication before your trip so that you’re protected once you arrive.
INFECTION SOURCE
Single mosquito bite is the source of infection. It occurs where the anopheles mosquito lives in hot and humid climates.
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
Malaria is transmitted through a bite from the female anopheles’ mosquito to the human who have malaria parasites in their blood.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms include high temperature of 38c or above, vomiting, sweating and chills, muscle pain, headaches, and diarrhoea.
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN
Have a pre travel vaccination a week before you travel to the region and continue with the medication a week when you can back from your travel. Avoid mosquito bite by using insect repellent, covering your arms and legs. Also use insecticides treated mosquito net.
ANY CURE
Malaria can be treated by the anti-malaria medication; treatment normally calls for admission to hospital because it may be falciparum malaria that can have a fatal outcome in only a few day or hours .it is important to seek medical advice straight away.
MULTICELLULAR PARASITE- TAPWORM
Tapeworm is intestinal infection with adult tape worm, it is a flat segmented worm that lives in the intestine of animal. The animals can be infected with this parasite when grazing in pasture and drinking contaminated water.
INFECTION SOURCE
It is acquired by human through ingestion of worm eggs or larvae present in other animals or infected substance.
TRASMISSION
Transmission is by eating infected meat/fish, ingestion of egg, Human to human transmission and insect to insect to human transmission.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, weakness, and weight loss.
PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN
Make sure the pork and fish are cooked thoroughly, sound hygiene, adequate water, and proper sanitation. Improve pig husbandry practice and easy access to treatment for both infected individual and people who are in close contact with the animals.
ANY CURE
Treatment is easy using praziquantel or nucleoside medication. Also, anti-inflammatory medication may be use. If the patient has a life-threatening cyst a surgical procedure may be undertaken to remove it.
Tapeworm in patient stomach
CONCLUSION
As we continue in our travel, let us remember that our health and safety are of utmost importance. Do not compromise on cleanliness; do not touch your mouth, eyes or face without washing your hands first. Also, protect yourself against mosquitoes through insect repellent sprays. Bring a doctor’s note with you as it will help gain entrance into private hospitals and clinics in Nigeria. Finally, have fun and come back home safely. Blood sugar monitor machine link
