Episodes
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Thought to be the inspiration behind legends like the vampire and the werewolf, the rabies virus poses a serious risk for travellers around the world. In the second episode of Travel Unravelled, hosts Dr. Anne McCarthy and Dr. Albie de Frey sink their teeth into all things rabies with podcast director Dr. Aisha Khatib.
Discover the insidious nature of rabies, why it's considered one of the most fatal diseases in existence, how you can protect yourself before travelling to rabies-prone regions — and what to do if you get exposed to the virus from an animal bite. Featuring interviews with such rabies experts as the deputy director of South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Dr. Lucille Blumberg, and the medical director of Belgium’s Institute of Tropical Medicine, Dr. Patrick Soentjens, our second episode chronicles the evolution of rabies prevention recommendations, from vaccine developer Louis Pasteur to the state of the art today.
LINKS
Travel Unravelled is sponsored by IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers.
Learn more about the upcoming CISTM19 in New Orleans this May 2025.
Planning a trip? Consult with this CDC Rabies Assessment to see the risk level of your destination.
See CDC’s 2024 Rabies Yellow Book
Read the WHO Guide for Rabies Pre and Post Exposure Prophylaxis in Humans, which guest Dr. Patrick Soentjens helped to develop.
Learn more about the fascinating ancient history of rabies in this Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease article.
Read Dr. Lucille Blumberg’s bio.
Read Dr. Patrick Soentjens’s bio.
See the travel medicine website and app that Dr. Patrick Soentjens mentions, Wanda.be.
CLINICAL PEARL
Read the article that Dr. Olivier Aoun discussed in this episode’s pearl:
Multi-drug resistant gluteal abscesses due to Mycobacterium abscessus following medical tourism for cosmetic purposes to Mexico in the Journal of Travel Medicine
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The most dangerous animal in the world is not the shark or the tiger. It won’t stalk you on safari or attack you as you surf.
Tiny but mighty, the mosquito kills more people than any other animal in the world. Why? Because it transmits deadly diseases to humans, such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. Malaria causes more than 600,000 deaths every year—all of which are preventable. In the first episode of Travel Unravelled, Dr. Anne McCarthy and Dr. Albie de Frey dive into the essential facts about malaria.
On the agenda: How to avoid getting malaria, how to prepare before a trip, and what to do if you feel sick in a malaria area. Plus: Why malaria is so tough to diagnose. It’s the Battle of the Buzz, and listening to this podcast is your best repellent!
Links & Mentions
Access the ISTM Malaria fact sheet, and more information for travellers at the ISTM website.
Check out the WHO Malaria Fact Sheet for more important information.
See if your next travel destination is in a Malaria area with this CDC guide.
And see the Canadian resource: CATMAT Malaria areas
Watch the TEDTalk about mosquitoes and malaria, in which Bill Gates releases mosquitoes on the audience.
Read a BBC article about singer Cheryl Cole’s malaria diagnosis
Make a mean gin and tonic with this recipe (and remember it will not prevent or treat malaria!)
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Missing episodes?
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Travel Unravelled: an ISTM Podcast explores the latest developments, challenges and innovations in travel health and medicine. Join ISTM President-Elect Dr. Anne McCarthy, Travel Doctor Corporate CEO Dr. Albie De Frey and ISTM podcast director Dr. Aisha Khatib as they chat with experts around the world and give you practical tips for your next adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting to plan your first international trip, Travel Unravelled is your personal guide to staying healthy while exploring the world—without taking up any room in your suitcase.
