World Cup health warning

Tuesday June 8th, 2010

As fans flock to South Africa for a historic World Cup, experts have warned them not to get carried away by the festival atmosphere.

As many as 20 per cent of young adults in South Africa are infected with HIV - making any romantic encounters risky.

The UK Health Protection Agency says there are other diseases in the country that may catch European visitors by surprise.

This includes Rift Valley Fever, which is like flu and can be transmitted by mosquito bites.

HPA travel expert Dr Jane Jones said rabies was also a risk and visitors should avoid contact with animals.

She said: "It's important for people going to the World Cup to discuss their particular travel health requirements with their GP or travel clinic to ensure they are adequately protected, including being up to date with routine vaccinations, as well as any additional ones that may be appropriate.

"It's also important to ensure adequate travel health insurance is taken out as well."

She added: "Travellers to the World Cup are unlikely to catch an infection from mosquito bites, but it's always sensible when travelling to a hot or humid climate to pack a strong insect repellent, for example one that contains a chemical called DEET, and to make sure it is applied frequently."

Tags: Africa | Fitness | Flu & Viruses | Traveller Health

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