Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [272]
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FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Fungal infections occur more commonly in hot weather and are most likely to be found between the toes or fingers or around the groin. The infections are spread by infected animals or humans; you may contract them by walking barefoot in damp areas, for example. Moisture encourages these infections.
To prevent fungal infections wear loose, comfortable clothes, avoid artificial fibers, wash frequently and dry thoroughly. Use flip-flops while taking a shower in bathrooms of cheap hotels. If you become infected, wash the infected area daily with a disinfectant or medicated soap, and rinse and dry well. Apply an antifungal cream or powder. Tea-tree based ointments are effective.
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INFECTIOUS DISEASES
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Cholera
Cholera is an intestinal infection acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water. The main symptom is profuse, watery diarrhea, which may be so severe that it causes life-threatening dehydration. The key treatment is drinking oral rehydration solution. Antibiotics are also given, usually tetracycline or doxycycline, though quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are also effective. In recent years, only a small number of cholera cases have been identified and a cholera vaccine is no longer required.
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Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection and the number of cases reported from Colombia has risen sharply in recent years, especially in Santander, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Norte de Santander, Meta and Huila. Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite preferentially during the daytime and are usually found close to human habitations, often indoors. Dengue is especially common in densely populated, urban environments.
Dengue usually causes flulike symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, joint pains, headaches, nausea and vomiting, which are often followed by a rash. The body aches may be quite uncomfortable, but most cases resolve uneventfully in a few days.
There is no treatment for dengue fever. The only thing to do is take analgesics such as acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol) and drink plenty of fluids, preferably with hydration salts. Avoid aspirin as this may cause hemorrhaging. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and supportive care. There is no vaccine. The cornerstone of prevention is insect protection measures.
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Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the second most common travel-related infection (after traveler’s diarrhea). It’s a viral infection of the liver that is usually acquired by ingestion of contaminated water, food or ice, though it may also be acquired by direct contact with infected persons. The illness occurs throughout the world, but the incidence is higher in developing nations. Symptoms may include fever, malaise, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most cases resolve without complications, though hepatitis A occasionally causes severe liver damage. There is no treatment.
The vaccine for hepatitis A is extremely safe and highly effective. And if you get a booster six to 12 months later, it lasts for at least 10 years. Because the safety of hepatitis A vaccine has not been established for pregnant women or children under age 2, they should instead be given a gammaglobulin injection.
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Hepatitis B
Like hepatitis A, hepatitis B is a liver infection that occurs worldwide but is more common in developing nations. Unlike hepatitis A, the disease is usually acquired by sexual contact or by exposure to infected blood, generally through blood transfusions or contaminated needles. The vaccine is recommended only for long-term travelers (on the road more than six months) who expect to live in rural areas or have close physical contact with the local population.
Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. However,