might be required for entry into your chosen countries.

There are immunisations that are specifically required by the World Health Organisation, and some not specified but recommended.

Protection against a number of diseases may be obtained through immunisation.

Travellers are well advised to have a tetanus and poliomyelitis update every ten years.

The type of holiday you plan must be considered -- whether you have chosen to travel first class, take tours that return to your hotel at night, or if you plan to stay in moderate hotels/hostels, or back-packing, etc.

Also, if you plan to visit bazaars and rural areas, this information will help us plan your immunisation coverage.

Chemoprophylaxis against the malaria parasites, although very important, is not the sole form of protection against the disease. Unfortunately, there is no drug today that can guarantee protection in all circumstances, so the traveller must pay attention to personal protection measures.

Since the anopheles mosquitoes feed at night, the hours of darkness are the periods of greatest risks for acquiring the disease. Thus, in addition to using the drug prophylaxis, the traveller is advised that from dusk to dawn: to remain in a well screened area or air conditioned room.

to use a mosquito net, carefully tucked under the mattress.

to use insect repellent on all uncovered body parts, although the effect of repellent might be reduced by seating.

to use clothing of a light colour and cover arms and legs.

to use spray or coil for mosquitoes that might already be in living areas.

It is important to note that symptoms such as fever with chills and headaches need urgent medical attention. Do not dismiss them as a flu-like illnesses -- have them investigated.

Symptoms of malaria may occur as early as a eight days after exposure or may appear up to several months after leaving the malarial area.

Malaria can be treated effectively early in the course of the disease, but delays in proper treatment can have serious or even fatal consequences.

Malaria is one of the common and more serious of the tropical diseases, and the number of cases each year is at least 100 million. Travellers should understand that in many malarial countries where the urban areas are free of malaria, this does not necessarily apply in rural parts.

The Hamilton Health Centre will provide you with a prescription for the malarial tablets according to the area of your visit along with instructions for taking the medication. Clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Mondays to Friday.

Diana Simons Supervisor Hamilton Health Centre.