Amebosis, or in other words, dysentery, is one of the tropical diseases that pose a threat when traveling in warm countries. Find out what the symptoms of amoebiasis are and how you can prevent infection. How is amoebiasis treated?

Riskof contractingof atropical diseasecan be defined in one sentence: the more exotic the country, the greater the likelihood of contracting it. Amebiasis ( amoebiasis ) is just one of the many exotic dangers. Contrary to the beliefs of tourists, very real.

Amebosis

Occurrence: worldwide, but the greatest risk of falling ill is in tropical countries.

Also referred to as amoebiasis, in Poland it is commonly called dysentery. Infection occurs through the consumption of water or food contaminated with cysts of the parasite (Entamoeba histolytica). After entering the body, they can end up in the lungs, liver or brain - causing the most dangerous type of disease. Fortunately, the most common form of it is the intestinal syndrome.

Symptoms: abdominal pain and gas, loose stools (sometimes with blood and mucus) and low-grade fever. In this form of the disease, however, complications often occur - intestinal perforation.

Note! Untreated amoebiasis (especially the acute intestinal form) can be fatal. The therapy includes, inter alia, antibiotics erythromecin and tetracycline

Methods of prevention: frequent hand washing, drinking only boiled water and not eating food in uncertain places.

Problem

Hygiene is the key

It all depends on the hygienic conditions in which we stay and the way the food and drinks we eat are prepared. In areas with low sanitary standards, you must strictly follow a few rules:

  • Drink only bottled and boiled water beverages.
  • Avoid adding ice to your drinks - the alcohol in them will not kill germs.
  • Always boil water for hygienic purposes - brushing your teeth, washing your face around the mouth - when this is not possible, a good way is to dissolve e.g. iodine in the water.
  • Avoid raw vegetables. The fruit is safe as long as it has been properly washed - in clean water and has an undamaged skin.
  • Meat,fish and other seafood must be properly cooked and served hot. Never eat dishes with cold meat, mayonnaise, creams.
  • Don't eat at buffets and street stalls.
  • Avoid raw meat, fish and seafood, and raw dairy and dairy products (salads, biscuits, and ice cream), as well as reheated foods.
  • Avoid touching your face with dirty hands, wash them often - especially before eating.
  • Remember that the locals have a kind of natural immunity, which tourists unfortunately lack.
Where to go for help

They will help you here

You are going on an exotic trip and you are not sure if and for what you should get vaccinated. Contact your doctor - a specialist in tropical medicine. There are 15 centers in this field in Poland. A full list and contact telephone numbers are available, among others on the website of the National Center of Tropical Medicine in Gdynia

Category:

Infectious diseases