The Winter Olympics in Vancouver brought thousands of people into our region from around the world. At least two of them arrived with a disease now rare in Canada: measles.

The result was an outbreak of the disease in British Columbia. There have been twenty-nine cases in total most of whom have not been completely vaccinated.

article continues below

Although a minor outbreak, this event highlights the very real possibility of importing disease. The need for vaccinations is in some ways greater than has been before because of the ease and frequency of travel around the world: we are going all over the world, and the world is coming to visit, too.

What may have been rare or exotic disease may no longer be so rare, thus the need to be prepared.

Travelling abroad means protection from bugs and viruses our bodies may have never seen. The best way to prepare is to visit a travel clinic at least four to six weeks prior to departure.

They will advise on the best practices for avoiding disease while travelling, and provide recommended or even required vaccinations for your destination.

Among the more common immunizations that may be needed are malaria, cholera, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, polio, rabies, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis depending on your destination. Immunization against yellow fever is a common requirement for entry to some countries.

Without proof a traveller may be denied entry, quarantined or vaccinated. Saudi Arabia requires proof of meningococcal immunization for all pilgrims to Mecca during the Hajj.

While many diseases can be prevented with vaccination, there are many precautions one can take while abroad. Anti-malaria drugs work, but it helps to avoid insect bites in the first place using insect repellents and wearing long pants and sleeves.

Water or food-borne disease can be a problem, but again, preventative measures are key. The simplest rule to remember: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!"

Other precautions include avoiding uncooked foods including shellfish and salads. Also avoid food from street vendors. Drink only purified water that's been boiled or disinfected with chlorine or iodine, or commercially bottled water in sealed containers. Carbonated drinks and beer are usually safe as well. Avoid ice unless you know it's been made from purified water.

In addition to your local travel clinic, other excellent sources of information for travellers include the BC Center for Disease Control (www.bccdc.ca) and Health Canada's travel information website (travel.gc.ca).

The BCCDC site provides a good overview plus details about immunization; Health Canada offers more thorough travel information including travel advisories, immunization requirements and advice on staying healthy while travelling.

Whether travelling to Mexico (malaria, dengue, botfly, roundworm, West Nile), further abroad to Thailand (malaria, Japanese encephalitis, avian influenza, shistosomiasis, measles, polio) or anywhere in between, preparation and caution are the keys for coming home as healthy as when you left.

Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.