Parasitic Diseases that can Infect Travelers to Africa

Travel is important in the spread of diseases, and the number of travelers is increasing daily. Therefore, the importance of the diseases that occur during or after travel is increasing. In underdeveloped countries in particular, parasitic diseases are epidemic or endemic, and these diseases lead to high numbers of deaths. People traveling from developed to underdeveloped countries have a higher risk of transmission of parasitic diseases during travel. Fifteen percent of the world's population lives in Africa. In terms of geography, economics, and development, the continent is divided into four regions: East Africa, South Africa, North Africa, and West Africa. In recent years, international travels to Africa have been increasing. During these travels, there is a risk of contracting parasitic diseases, such as malaria, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis (African sleeping disease), onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and leishmaniasis. Before traveling to Africa, it is vital to take measures against diseases in the region.