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      Visiting family and friends in foreign countries

      Latest update: - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski-Kelner

      Studies show that, in some countries, people visiting relatives or friends are at increased risk of contracting certain diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and some food-borne infections.

      Risk areas

      Not only all countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America with a lower standard of hygiene, but also Mediterranean countries such as Morocco.

      Prevention

      Travel advice

      Ask your GP or a doctor in a travel clinic for advice well in advance of your departure.

      Are you travelling to a malaria area?

      • Protect yourself against mosquito bites from dusk through to sunrise. 
      • Take preventive malaria tablets if recommended, even if your family or friends that live locally do not take these tablets and start before departure. 
      • Take into consideration that malaria treatment may not be reliable in some countries. 

      Food hygiene

      Eat only foods that have been safely prepared and do not drink unpurified water.

      Safe sex

      Always use condoms during sexual contact with a new partner.

      Country with 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.

      In case of symptoms

      Seek medical advice if you suffer any symptoms.

      Additional information

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