According to CDC.gov, hepatitis A is preventable by vaccine but is one of the most common infections acquired while traveling. The hepatitis A infection is spread through food and water.
CDC.gov reports that hepatitis B vaccinations should be administered in three doses over a four-month period. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood-related fluid.
CDC.gov states that typhoid infection can be contracted from contaminated food and water. Typhoid is life-threatening and infection could be spread in less than one week of exposure.
The risk for rabies increases with the amount of time spent outdoors or exposure to animals while in Zambia. CDC.gov reports that rabies is spread through the saliva of an animal, usually through a bite wound.
Make sure you're up-to-date on all routine shots. CDC.gov reports that the recommended adult immunization shots should protect against the following: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (the Td/Tdap shots include all three), human papillomavirus (HPV), varicella, zoster, measles, mumps and rubella (the MMR shot includes all three), annual flu shot, pneumococcal (polysaccharide), hepatitis A and B and meningococcal.
Malaria is a serious disease that can be deadly; it is spread through mosquito bites. CDC.gov states that an antimalarial drug should be taken before travel, as drugs obtained overseas are not regulated and may have negative side effects.
