Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Dr Mohamed Abu Khattab, has advised Qatar residents who are experiencing signs of illness after travelling outside, to seek medical care.
“Especially, if they have not taken precautions before travelling to countries that have reported cases of Malaria, Dengue, West Nile Virus and Zika,” he urged. Dr Abu Khattab, who is a consultant specialising in Communicable Diseases and Travel Medicine, explained that although most travellers who become sick will experience only mild illness, it is important for residents to be vigilant and to monitor their health.
“While most infections will result in symptoms within two to six weeks of travel, incubation periods vary and some conditions can present months to years after initial infection.”
Anyone who has travelled outside the country and is experiencing persistent symptoms, specifically fever or diarrhoea, should immediately consult their doctor or visit the Travel Clinic at HMC’s Communicable Diseases Center, or another health centre that provides travel medicine services.
“Persistent fever can be a symptom of a serious disease. Any resident who has travelled abroad and is experiencing symptoms of illness or is generally feeling unwell should seek medical advice, particularly if they have not taken precautions before travelling to countries that have reported cases of Malaria, Dengue, West Nile Virus, and Zika,” said Dr Abu Khattab.
“Other symptoms that should not be ignored include abdominal pain, cough or shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. It is important for travellers to be educated about their risk of contracting diseases and medical conditions such as Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and intestinal parasites.
These conditions can be serious and require medical intervention,” he added.
An initial diagnosis for most travel-related illnesses can be quickly made if the patient is able to provide specific details regarding the destination travelled and the potential risk factors he or she has been exposed to. Many gastrointestinal illnesses, for example, are more common in certain South-East Asian countries and the Indian subcontinent, while Malaria is prevalent in Africa, India, South-East Asia, some South American and Caribbean countries.
Meningitis is more common in sub-Saharan Africa and Yellow Fever is most prevalent in subtropical areas of South America and Africa.