My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

[Compry]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

ReggaeGirl, I understand that a number of vaccinations have to be taken when entering certain parts in Africa. Did you have to be vaccinated and if so, how did you react to them? I've heard scary stories about some of the vaccinations.

[Jabrit]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

ReggaeGirl: you can't build us up like this only to leave us hanging, you must quickly give us more details of what seems to be a once in a lifetime trip.

I envy you, I've always wanted to go to Ghana. Ghanaians and Jamaicans have a lot in common, not the least of which is the fact that many Jamaicans are descendants of slaves who came from the Akan tribe of Ghana, and that many of the nuances and words in Jamaican patios can be traced back to Akan origins. Even that strange Jamaican tradition of saluting departed relatives by sprinkling a couple of capfuls of white rum on the floor- prior to the festivities is something that is widely done in Ghana.

Don't keep us in suspense now- sad about the pictures but you've got a great writing style which is almost as good as having the pictures.


Blessings.

[Ivory]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Compray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ReggaeGirl, I understand that a number of vaccinations have to be taken when entering certain parts in Africa. Did you have to be vaccinated and if so, how did you react to them? I've heard scary stories about some of the vaccinations. </div></div>

Because we weren't staying at hotels I had to get a multitude of vaccinations and the one that I reacted to quite severely was for yellow fever. At the clinic they said the most reaction people would get if at all was maybe a slight fever and just soreness around the injection site.

[Compry]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

Wait up...I'm staying in a hotel. Does that mean I won't need any vaccination? Please say yes. Mek a call mi doctor's office.

[ReggaeGirl2000]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Compray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ReggaeGirl, I understand that a number of vaccinations have to be taken when entering certain parts in Africa. Did you have to be vaccinated and if so, how did you react to them? I've heard scary stories about some of the vaccinations. </div></div>

Yep, I got all vaccinations recommended:

Yellow Fever is a must, can't get into the country without proof of having it (but they did not ask me for it LOL!)... it cost me I think about $150 and I had no reaction to it, only a sore arm for 2 days.

Hepatitis A &amp; B - no reaction, cost about $80.

Rabies - cause I was hoping to work with animals, the average traveller doesn't need this, cost was originally $500, then the booster 2 years later for $220 - no reaction.

Typhoid - recommended by some Dr's only, no reaction, had this through work the year before I went at the government's cost, so no idea what that was.

Tetanus - our health plan covers the cost, no reaction.

Think that was it!
RG

[ReggaeGirl2000]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jagypsy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A wonderful start Reggae! I have alot of respect for how hard you worked to make your dream a reality and the sacrifices you made to reach your goal. It's sad about the photos but I know you have plenty of pics and memories stored in your heart and mind! </div></div>

Thanks so much jagypsy, means a lot to me what you said!! Love to write, as you know Yes it sure is sad about the pics not only pics of Africa I lost, many others were on the memory stick! Yes my heart and mind have great memories, but what happens when the old mind goes... LOL!!

[ReggaeGirl2000]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jabrit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ReggaeGirl: you can't build us up like this only to leave us hanging, you must quickly give us more details of what seems to be a once in a lifetime trip.

I envy you, I've always wanted to go to Ghana. Ghanaians and Jamaicans have a lot in common, not the least of which is the fact that many Jamaicans are descendants of slaves who came from the Akan tribe of Ghana, and that many of the nuances and words in Jamaican patios can be traced back to Akan origins. Even that strange Jamaican tradition of saluting departed relatives by sprinkling a couple of capfuls of white rum on the floor- prior to the festivities is something that is widely done in Ghana.

Don't keep us in suspense now- sad about the pictures but you've got a great writing style which is almost as good as having the pictures.


Blessings. </div></div>

Thanks for your awesome comments Don't mean to keep people hanging, it's that I'm &quot;homeless&quot; right now so hardly never near a computer

I have much to say about Jamaicans and Ghana... not what you are thinking either, as I found there was NOT much JA influence there, in fact the reggae music was about the only thing they did know about! More lata...

[Compry]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

I am not looking forward to all these needles. I HATE NEEDLES.

[Magician]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Compray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not looking forward to all these needles. I HATE NEEDLES. </div></div>

Compray, unlike Ghana, the yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry into Uganda, nor is it recommended. Some people can suffer side effects from that vaccination (although I didn't).

However, it is recommended that you take a proactive malaria vaccination. Don't worry, it's tablets, and not needles. If I remember correctly, you take a course of tablets a few weeks before you go.

Having said that, unless maskitta really love you, you can probably get away without the malaria medication. I travel to Africa every month and never have any problems. If you don't go deep inna di bush on your trip, you will be alright.

I don't recall too much mosquitos in Uganda. Matter of fact I don't recall any. But then again mi never wear shorts around sunset and at night.

[Seveen]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

when i went to kenya i took every shot known to man

at the time i was in the UK and the Tropical School of Medicine - Liverpool is where i got my shots

the doctor would ask me - are you going to be around children - yes - menigitis shot

are you going to be in the country - maybe - tetanus shot, hepatitis C - 3 shots, yellow fever bla bla bla

they even recommended that i take a syringe with me in case of an accident

said most AIDS was being spread through re-usable needles that were not sterilized at a high enough temperature

i did the malaria treatment - before going - during the trip - and after

the only thing about NOT taking the shots - is if you need them while you're traveling - it's too late

and my adventurous side never knows where i'm going to end up - i love going &quot;local&quot; when traveling

[Lex]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Compray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not looking forward to all these needles. I HATE NEEDLES. </div></div>

You and me both Compray. This is my one phobia and the mere thought of it makes me want to . I am definitely crossing Africa off my list...and anywhere else that requires shots.

[Magician]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am definitely crossing Africa off my list...and anywhere else that requires shots. </div></div>

If you read carefully, you would see that not all of the African countries require shots. If you're going to places like Nairobi for example, you don't even need malaria precautions as it is too cool for mosquitos. Same thing for southern portion of Africa this time of year where it's freezing now. Mosquitos (malaria) like hot, humid and wet environment.

[Seveen]

Re: My Trip to Ghana, West Africa – Part I

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Vaccination or Disease Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Routine Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.

Yellow Fever Yellow fever vaccination requirement for travelers to Ghana: Required upon arrival from all countries CDC recommendation: For all travelers &gt;9 months of age Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk. Find an authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccination clinic.

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with &quot;standard&quot; tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.

Hepatitis B Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).

Typhoid Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in West Africa, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.

Meningococcal (meningitis) Recommended if you plan to visit countries that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June (see map).

Rabies Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, or work. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals and may not report bites. Note: Rabies vaccine is temporarily in short supply. For updates on the rabies vaccine supply, please check the Rabies News and Highlights page regularly. (Updated June 18, 2008)


Malaria


Drugs to Prevent Malaria (antimalarial drugs)
If you will be visiting a malaria risk area in Ghana, you will need to take one of the following antimalarial drugs: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing).

Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Ghana and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.

Malaria risk area in Ghana: All
A Special Note about Antimalarial Drugs

You should purchase your antimalarial drugs before travel. Drugs purchased overseas may not be manufactured according to United States standards and may not be effective. They also may be dangerous, contain counterfeit medications or contaminants, or be combinations of drugs that are not safe to use.

Halofantrine (marketed as Halfan) is widely used overseas to treat malaria. CDC recommends that you do NOT use halofantrine because of serious heart-related side effects, including deaths. You should avoid using antimalarial drugs that are not recommended unless you have been diagnosed with life-threatening malaria and no other options are immediately available.

For detailed information about these antimalarial drugs, see Information for the Public: Prescription Drugs for Malaria.

More Information About Malaria
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health-care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites (see below).

Travelers to malaria risk-areas in Ghana, including infants, children, and former residents of Ghana, should take one of the following antimalarial drugs listed above.

Symptoms
Malaria symptoms may include

fever
chills
sweats
headache
body aches
nausea and vomiting
fatigue
Malaria symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; however, you should see a doctor right away if you develop a fever during your trip.

Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice. Malaria infections with Plasmodium falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and death. Despite using the protective measures outlined above, travelers may still develop malaria up to a year after returning from a malarious area. You should see a doctor immediately if you develop a fever anytime during the year following your return and tell the physician of your travel.

Items to Bring With You
Medicines you may need:

The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids.
Antimalarial drugs, if traveling to a malaria-risk area in Ghana and prescribed by your doctor.
Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter.
Note: Some drugs available by prescription in the US are illegal in other countries. Check the US Department of State Consular Information Sheets for the country(s) you intend to visit or the embassy or consulate for that country(s). If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.

Other items you may need:

Iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. See Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water and Safe Food and Water for more detailed information.
Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information.
Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring:
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible.
Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.
Bed nets treated with permethrin, if you will not be sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room and will be in malaria-risk areas. For use and purchasing information, see Insecticide Treated Bed Nets on the CDC malaria site. Overseas, permethrin or another insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes.
See other suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travelers' health kit.

SOURCE - CDC