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Follow on Google News | Rodent slum study highlights health dangers for NGO expatriate workersA recent study carried out by scientists at the University of Glasgow and published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene suggests that one in five rodents in a Kenyan slum carries a disease that causes fever and illness in humans.
By: MediCare International The bacteria can be passed to humans through contact with urine causing the disease leptospirosis which in mild forms results in fever, headache and nausea, or in serious cases can cause organ damage - when it is more commonly known as Weil's disease. The study also found that most residents in Kibera spot at least one rat in their house every day, according to a questionnaire survey of 100 households. Around 60% of households in and around Kibera reported seeing groups of five or more rodents in their house every day while 66% reported weekly or daily sightings of fresh droppings in their house. Dr Jo Halliday, of the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, who led the study said: "Our study really emphasises the need to quantify the burden of human illness not only in places like Kibera, but elsewhere, to raise awareness of this neglected disease amongst health care professionals, and to develop effective disease control programs." Studies such as those carried out by the University of Glasgow underline the importance of work carried out by NGOs in developing nations such as Kenya. They also underline the importance of NGO international health insurance (http://www.medicare.co.uk/ Commenting on the research Debbie Purser, managing director of international medical insurance specialists MediCare International (http://www.medicare.co.uk/) With over 30 years experience of providing worldwide healthcare insurance for the international business community and clients from 86 nationalities in 121 countries, MediCare International - website www.medicare.co.uk - is a major provider of health insurance for expats across the world, including many working in NGOs and other voluntary organisation. For details of MediCare’s International health insurance plans visit www.medicare.co.uk, email medicare@medicare.co.uk or call +44 (0) 203418 0470. End
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