Opening hours
Travel advice and vaccinations
Monday to Friday:
14:00-16:00 (without appointment!)
Consultation tropical diseases and import pathology
Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 12:30 by appointment only
+32(0)3/247.64.05 or
+32(0)3/247.64.54
 CONSULTATIONS VACCINATIONS
Address
Institute of Tropical Medicine
Kronenburgstraat 43/3 - 2000 ANTWERPEN
ACCESS MAP
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Please note: ITM does not provide individual advice by either letter or E-mail!
On this website only essential health advice is provided for travelers and this is not intended to be comprehensive. If you want to discuss specific topics in more detail, you can consult your general practitioner. He will usually have all of the information drawn up by the ITM at his disposal. You can also visit one of the official travel/vaccination centers. The addresses of these can be found on our website.
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News
- Upon depletion of stocks, Paludrine will no longer be commercially available in Belgium (presumably around mid December). For all the regions of zone B where the use of Paludrine and Chloroquine (Nivaquine) was recommended, Malarone® (or doxycyclin or Lariam®) may be used as a replacement
- Influenza epidemic caused by the new Influenza type A (H1N1) (previously known as "Mexican Flu")
- Update of Yellow Fever epidemic in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil
- Malaria warning in the Caribbean (Jamaica & Dominican Republic)
- Chikungunya epidemic in the region of the Indian Ocean (Reunion, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar), India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore, Thailand; Gabon!
- Avian influenza in Eurasia and Africa!
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Turkey
Diseases and vaccinations
More information
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Influenza epidemic caused by the new Influenza type A (H1N1) (previously known as "Mexican Flu")
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Update July, 20 2009
11:00
This new human virus consists of different genes; partially from swine viruses, avian viruses and human viruses (it was first identified in Mexico on 18 March 2009).
The virus first caused an epidemic on the American continent (Mexico, United States of America) and has now spread all over the world.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs does NO LONGER advise against traveling to Mexico or the risk areas in the USA (see also www.influenza.be).
It is considered prudent for people who are ill, to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.
When returning with fever from a malaria risk region www.travelhealth.be the diagnosis of malaria should be ruled out without any loss of time.
We recommend applying the following precautions if traveling is unavoidable:
- Follow the basic hygienic rules, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
- Avoid close contact with sick, contaminated people.
- Avoid crowded busy places (theaters, crowded restaurants, public transport,..) where there is an epidemic flu.
Wear a mask (covering both nose and mouth when necessary).
- Go and see a doctor if you show any flu-like symptoms.
See also:
Map of Mexico.
Other useful and important websites:Belgian Influenza Commission
World Health Organization Grippe A/H1N1: la Belgique passe de la phase d'endiquement à la phase d'atténuation ce 14 juillet
Cinq mesures de précaution pour limiter la propagation de la grippe
Comment éviter la propagation de la grippe?
Callcenter for all your questions regarding the recent epidemic of influenza: 0800/99 777.
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Update of Yellow Fever epidemic in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil
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yellow fever
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New cases of yellow fever have been reported these last weeks in Latin America, more precisely in the triangle where Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil meet and in the forested areas round the Iguassu Falls.
Travellers to Brazil or Paraguay are recommended to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever.
For Argentina, this recommendation is only applicable for visitors of one (or more) of the following northern departments: Misiones, Guarani, Monte Carlo, El Dorado, San Pedro, General Manuel Belgrano and Puerto Iguazu.
All long term travellers or people who work in the South American continent should be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and this from the age of 9 months.
The doctor will balance the disadvantages of the vaccination over the risk of being infected by the virus in persons of 70 years or older and in children less than 9 months old.
For addresses of yellow fever vaccination centres in Belgium:
http://www.itg.be/ITG/Uploads/MedServ/EADRVACC.htm
CDC card of yellow fever in South America
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-YellowFever.aspx
CDC card of yellow fever in Brazil update February 2008
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentUpdatedYFMapBrazil.aspx
Geographic map of Paraguay
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/americas/paraguay_pol98.jpg
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Malaria warning in the Caribbean (JAMAICA & DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)
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Kingston, Jamaica
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In October and November 13 cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria were reported on the island of Jamaica, more precisely in Kingston and the adjacent province St. Catherine. In the past there was no risk of malaria in this region. Precautions against mosquito bites in the evenings and at night are always essential for protection against possible malaria. In case of fever upon return, malaria should always be considered. The US advises any traveller staying overnight in one of the above mentioned areas to take preventive medicines against malaria: 300 mg of Chloroquine (Nivaquine) once a week, to be started 1 week before departure until 4 weeks after returning home (NOTE 1).
More information available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/2006/malaria_jamaica.htm
"As of December 4, 2006, CDC is recommending prophylactic antimalarial medication for travelers who may stay overnight in Kingston, Jamaica, only".
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ew/2006/061214.asp#3
"The current cluster has not changed European recommendations for malaria chemoprophylaxis for travel to Jamaica. To our knowledge, preventive medication has not been recommended by any European national health authorities. Awareness to possible importation of cases has been raised travellers to Jamaica, in particular to the Kingston area, should be aware of the risk and protect themselves against evening and night-time biting mosquitoes. Travellers who develops a febrile illness during travel, or for up to a year following their return to their home country, should be promptly evaluated and have a blood test for malaria without delay".
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Dominican Republic
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Cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria have sporadically occurred in the province of Altagracia, even with travellers staying in good hotels in Punta Cana. The measures for protection against mosquito bites in the evening and at night are recommended. Persons spending more time outside of the hotel zone after sunset or making inland excursions until late in the evenings, may consider taking Nivaquine (3 tablets of 100 mg once a week - see NOTE 1). In case of fever upon return from the Dominican Republic, malaria should always be considered.
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Chikungunya epidemic in the region of the Indian Ocean (Reunion, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar), India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Singapore, Thailand; Gabon!
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Chikungunya
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Chikungunya is caused by an Alfa virus which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. This mosquito tends to bite in daytime. The disease is comparable to Dengue.
Classical course of the infection : after an incubation period of 3 to 12 days, a sudden onset of fever occurs, mostly accompanied by aching joints in the extremities (ankles, wrists, fingers). Other possible symptoms are swellings, skin rash, light haemorrhages (gums). Usually the course of the disease is benign and the disease is cured spontaneously after one week, however evolution (from weeks to months) to chronicity may occur. Exceptionally meningo-encephalitis can occur in very young children. There have also been some deaths among the fragile elderly people, but they are not the only cases.
Treatment : only symptomatic with paracetamol or non steroidal inflammation inhibitors e.g. ibuprofen (no aspirin).
Prevention : only protective measures against mosquito bites in daytime, especially in the morning and during late afternoon, can prevent the disease. When staying in luxury hotels, the risk is very small. When travelling inland, the risk is much higher. For pregnant women, young children and persons with an immunity problem, an individual consultation is recommended. Individual protective measures : mosquito repellent in daytime – impregnation of clothing – mosquito net.
Protection of the house : gauze against windows and doors – insecticides/mosquito repellents – avoid stagnant water in and around the house.
Geographical map of the WHO-website is available at:
http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary
Click "Chikungunya - Indian Ocean update"
European guideline:
http://www.ecdc.europa.eu and select "health topics A-Z" - "Chikungunya fever"
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Avian Influenza in Eurasia and Africa
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Turkey
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Crimean-Congo
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Also this year an increased causative agent of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been stated in Turkey in the same provinces as in 2008.
Figure - affected provinces in 2006: http://www.itg.be/ITG/Uploads/MedServ/kaart 1 2006.jpg
Figure - affected provinces in 2008: http://www.itg.be/ITG/Uploads/MedServ/kaart 2 2008.jpg
[Zones in fuchsia are indicated provinces where human cases of CCHF (CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER) have been reported: Sivas, Tokat, Gumushane, Bayburt, Amasya, Cankin, Corum, Yozgat, Samsun, Karabuk and Kastamonu +/- corresponding to central Anatolia region of Turkey]
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
CCHF is a serious disease, caused by a Nairo virus that is transmitted by a tick bite (Hyalomma tick). The incubation period is 1 to 3 days (maximum 9 days). The first symptoms are fever, muscular pain, dizziness, neck ache, neck stiffness, backache, headache, eye ache and photophobia. Also nausea, vomiting and sore throat with diarrhoea and general stomach ache may be early symptoms. Afterwards internal bleedings and organic failure may occur. In humans the disease is only transmittable through contact with blood or bodily fluids and tissue. Early treatment with Ribavirine is possible. CCHF viral infections are endemic in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.
Prevention:
The prevention consists of minimizing the exposure to tick bites. The following measures are recommended (you can find more information in our handout "preventive measures against ticks"):
- wear light-coloured clothes covering arms and legs to make ticks more visible
- stay on beaten tracks; avoid high grass and bushes
- do not walk barefoot, do not sit on the ground with bare legs without protection (like a picnic cloth)
- use repellents on the exposed skin (like DEET 30 %) and cloths (like permethrine)
- inspect your body after possible exposure and remove possible ticks immediately by using a soft and continuous traction with a pair of tweezers or special tick remover. A fast removal decreases the transfer of infectious agents considerably. Make sure that the tick has completely been removed and disinfect the location.
NB: the vaccine against tick-born encephalitis (TBE or FSME) does not protect against CCHF.
Everyone travelling to an endemic region and having flu or fever after a tick bite must consult a medical doctor.
Control measures in Turkey
Control measures and increased CCHF surveillance has been introduced by the Turkish Ministry of Health. There are four reference hospitals with isolation facilities indicated. Different public campaigns are launched to inform rural risk groups and to explain the protective measures.
You can find more information about this disease at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs208/en/
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Travel
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General information
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How to travel and stay healthy : useful information for good health before your departure, during your trip and after return, incl. vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis and traveler's diarrhea. (version November 2009)
This brochure is also available in PDF format [349 Kb].
Within this document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Vaccinations for minors
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Minors
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Due to possible medico-legal implications, the vaccination centre of the Institute of Tropical Medicine will not administer vaccinations to minors (<18 years), unless they are accompanied by at least one of their parents.
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"Consensus text for the experts"
Yellow fever endemic zones and vaccination centres
Tuberculosis: general information
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Tuberculosis
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General information on Tuberculosis.
(April 2009)
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Skin care: general information
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skin care
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General information on skin care.
(August 2009)
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Deep venous thrombosis: general information
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deep venous thrombosis
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General information on Deep venous Thrombosis.
(September 2008)
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Dengue & Chikungunya: general information
Meningococcal meningitis: general information
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Meningococcal meningitis
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General information on meningococcal meningitis.
(October 2008)[PDF: 204 Kb]
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Japanese encephalitis: general information and vaccination centres
Rabies: general information
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Rabies
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General information on rabies.
(January 2010) [PDF: 130 Kb]
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Tick-borne encephalitis : general information
Schistosomiasis : distribution
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV-AIDS: general information
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STI and HIV-AIDS
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General information on S.O.A. and HIV-AIDS.
(April 2007)
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Travelling with children and babies : general information
Pregnancy and pregnancy wish : general information
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy and pregnancy wish.
(October 2009)
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Altitude sickness : general information
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Altitude sickness
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Altitude sickness.
(June 2008)
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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The Responsible Traveler : Seven Tips for Responsible Travel (International Society of Travel Medicine
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Responsible Travel
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The responsible traveler : seven tips for responsible travel (International Society of Travel Medicine)
Within this PDF document you can use the binocular icon to search for specific terms.
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Phone: +32 3 247.66.66 - Fax: +32 3 216.14.31 - Email:info@itg.be
Nationalestraat 155 - B-2000 Antwerpen
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