Travel health: Expert advice on preventing tropical infections

Dr. Milena Krstić, an epidemiologist at the VMA, advises travelers heading to exotic or equatorial destinations to consult an epidemiologist four to six weeks before departure. This timeframe allows for adequate preparation, including the administration of necessary vaccines.

Certain vaccines, such as the one for yellow fever, may require multiple doses or provide lifelong protection after a single dose. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for many African countries where the disease is endemic. Dr. Krstić highlights that Africa, parts of South America, and parts of Asia require the most attention due to risks of intestinal infectious diseases and vector-borne illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes and other insects.