NaTHNaC Link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/27/chikungunya 

What is it? Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Common symptoms include fever and joint pain.

Prevention: Prevention by minimising bite avoidance during the daytime particularly around dawn and dusk.

NaTHNaC link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/disease/42/dengue 

What is it? Dengue is an infection caused by the dengue virus of which there are four different types (serogroups). The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Prevention: Mosquito bite avoidance is recommended as dengue is spread by day-biting mosquitoes.

NaTHNaC link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/disease/49/ebola-virus-disease 

What is it? Ebola is an infectious disease caused by a virus (filovirus). It was first recognised in 1976 when two outbreaks were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the Ebola River, and in South Sudan. 

Prevention: Avoid anyone with symptoms, avoid contact with blood and body fluids and any items that may have been contaminated, follow safe sex, follow good food,water and personal hygiene.

NaTHNaC Link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/48/diseases-transmitted-by-insects-and-ticks-in-europe 

What is it? A bacterial infection spread to humans by infected Ixodes ticks, which can cause serios symptoms if not promptly treated.

Prevention: Avoid known tick-infested areas of forest and woodland. Practice bite avoidance methods. Check the body for ticks regularly. Remove ticks as soon as possible.

NaTHNaC link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/disease/113/malaria 

What is it? Malaria is a potentially serious parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In humans the disease is caused by five different species of the Plasmodium parasite. Malaria is widely distributed throughout tropical regions of the world including in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Oceania. Malaria is preventable and curable if diagnosed and treated promptly.

Prevention: Choice of malaria prevention tablets depends on the malaria species common in the area to be visited and whether there is resistance to any of the available drugs. Certain drugs may not be suitable for certain individuals due to existing medical problems or interactions with their regular medication. Visit the Malaria Pharmacy Excellence module on Malaria Prevention.

NaTHNaC link: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/disease/196/zika-virus 

What is it? Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is spread by day-biting mosquitoes. A small number of cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV have also been reported. ZIKV is a flavivirus (similar to dengue) and was first discovered in a monkey in the Zika forest, Uganda in 1947. It is found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America and the Caribbean. 

Prevention: Travellers should be aware of the risk of ZIKV in the destination to be visited. Information about ZIKV transmission in affected countries. Prevention is by minimising mosquito bites. The mosquito that spreads ZIKV is most active in daylight hours. Travellers should be vigilant with insect bite avoidance.