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      Visiting family and friends in foreign countries

      Latest update: - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski

      People who visit family or friends have a higher risk of certain diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and some foodborne infections.

      Risk areas

      All countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America with low hygiene standards.

      Prevention

      Travel advice

      Seek advice from your GP or a doctor at a travel clinic, even if you are travelling very soon.

      Are you travelling to a malaria risk area?

      • Persons who have already had malaria are not immune.
      • Protect yourself against mosquito bites from dusk until sunrise. 
      • Take preventive malaria tablets if recommended, even if your family or friends that live locally do not take these tablets and make sure you start before departure. 
      • Take into consideration that malaria medication may not be of reliable quality in some countries. 

      Foods and drinks

      • Eat only foods that have been safely prepared and do not drink unpurified water.
      • Ask your doctor if typhoid fever vaccination is recommended for you.

      Safe sex

      Always use condoms during sexual contact with a new partner.

      Rabies

      Avoid contact with mammals in countries where rabies is present in pets, such as dogs and cats.

      Tuberculosis

      If you have been in close contact with individuals who had a cough in a country where tuberculosis is common, have a tuberculosis test performed two to three months after you return.

      Other health risks

      Check the health risks at your destination.

      In case of symptoms

      Seek medical advice if you suffer any symptoms.

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