Holidaymakers Warned About Parasites Abroad After Surge in Cases Among Brits
Last year, a record number of British holidaymakers fell victim to parasitic infections while traveling abroad. Experts believe that the post-Covid travel boom to exotic destinations may be to blame. The UK saw nearly 1,000 cases of travel-associated parasitic infections in 2022, an increase from the pre-pandemic average of 870 cases. These infections, such as leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and strongyloidiasis, are transmitted through insect bites or parasitic worms and can cause long-term damage and even be fatal.
Popular winter holiday destinations for Brits, including the Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, are known to harbor these parasites. The alarming figures serve as a warning for travelers to research and be aware of the specific bugs they may encounter at their holiday destination and take appropriate precautions. Health authorities emphasize that preventing an infection is easier than treating one.
One of the most significant increases was seen in cases of leishmaniasis, with a record 51 cases reported in 2022, compared to the annual average of 18 cases before the Covid crisis. This parasitic infection is spread through tiny sandfly bites.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals that 20 cases of cholera were reported among travelers arriving in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2022, compared to the pre-pandemic average of 15 cases per year. Cholera is caused by consuming contaminated food or water and can lead to severe symptoms if left untreated.
The rise in cases of these parasitic infections was expected as travel resumed post-pandemic. Despite the surge, some diseases like chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection, have not reached pre-Covid levels. Only parasitic infections and cholera have reached record highs. Dr. Meera Chand, deputy director at the UK Health Security Agency, attributes the increase to the easing of Covid travel restrictions and the subsequent increase in travel.
Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease specialist, suggests that the spike in cases may be due to travelers choosing more exotic locations for their holidays. Those who were able to work remotely throughout the pandemic may have saved money on commuting and decided to splurge on vacations to disease hotspots.
Cholera, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminth infections are among the diseases that have reached record levels. Health authorities warn travelers to take precautions, such as washing hands regularly, drinking boiled tap water, and using insect repellent, to reduce the risk of contracting these infections.
Overall, while the increase in travel-associated infections is concerning, not all infections have returned to pre-pandemic levels. The exact reasons for the surge in cases last year are still unknown, but it serves as a reminder for travelers to prioritize their health and take preventive measures when visiting high-risk destinations.
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