Our 8 week course was arguably more challenging than most of my doctoral level courses. They came at us hard and fast, we read hundreds of pages a week, explored rich media sources on global ed, participated in webinars with experts in educational technology, global education, and teaching, and created products, I mean written products, video products, media products, all sorts of products to demonstrate our learning and mastery. We learned. A LOT. Some days too much. But we also got to know each other and what an amazing group of teachers - each of them is a beacon of what is right in the world of education and they have already taught me so much. My fellow teachers in this course reminded me of my current students - curious, philosophical, hard-working, motivated, interesting, and willing to take on a challenge.
Throughout the course, we had no idea where our field experience was going to be, so we couldn't target our learning to any one region, country or educational system. The course enabled us to apply what we were learning to our own disciplines so that we could take it right into our classrooms. I mostly focused on emergent disease and the organisms that cause these diseases. And in December, I found out my field experience would be in Senegal this spring. I'm heading to west Africa - pretty exciting if I do say so myself and I cannot wait for the adventure! You can follow me on this grand journey right here, I'll be blogging on location, posting picts, and hopefully posting video for my peeps. As I type, my students are creating storyboards for homework tonight on an emergent disease of their choice. They don't even know it yet, but it's all part of my globalized lesson plan on emergent disease. I'll be blogging about that here as well and maybe even posting links to their videos. In a few weeks I'll be heading to DC for the global education symposium and getting to meet with my fellow fellows (see what I did there?). I think it is going to be a powerful learning event for all of us and of course we're excited to meet our traveling companions (shout out to Tyler, Mary, Brielle, Jessi, Barbara, and Anita). In preparation for our trip to Senegal we have to get a few vaccines. Attention students (and teachers too) - this is where the work/fun begins! In the comments below, please let me know what vaccines you think I need to travel to Senegal and why...remember support with evidence and credible sources. Another question you might opt to answer: what emergent diseases are associated with parts of west Africa? Future posts will include information about some of the neat techie stuff I learned in my course and hopefully examples of how I'm using it in my classroom. My students are pretty awesome and I expect they'll do great things I can share with you. This will give them an opportunity to share their work and learning with a broader audience and maybe get some constructive feedback.
29 Comments
Mary Kathryn Sams
2/2/2016 03:13:27 pm
You probably got a vaccine for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, both of which you can get from contaminated food and/or water in Senegal. You also got a vaccine for Yellow Fever because you are required to have it in order to travel there. You also might have gotten a vaccine for rabies, since you can get it in Senegal.
Avery Gerber
2/2/2016 05:39:41 pm
I think it is important to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis and Yellow fever, and Rabies. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be contracted through contaminated food and water. Yellow fever can be contracted through a mosquito bite, and is required to travel to Senegal. Also Meningitis which is caused by a bacteria (during the dry season). Emerging diseases include Ebola
Yuenni Ho
2/2/2016 05:44:08 pm
Except for the routine vaccines (including annual flu shots), the travelers to Senegal also require to take the vaccine for Yellow Fever, which is a pervasive emerging disease in Senegal, spreading by the mosquitoes. The other shots that are highly recommended travelers to take are vaccine for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which could be infected through contaminated food and water sources and the prescription medicine for prevention of Malaria, which is also a common disease transmitted by the mosquitoes in the country. There are several other vaccines that are recommended but not required for travelers to take in order to prevent the emergent disease like Hepatitis B which spreads by sharing body fluid, Meningitis that has a high infection rate in the region, Rabies that could be got by the contact with dogs, cats, and rots.
Natalie Hill
2/2/2016 05:44:41 pm
The vaccines that I think you will need in order to travel to Senegal include vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, and rabies. Hepatitis A and typhoid spread through contaminated food and water. Yellow fever is a risk in Senegal and the government of Senegal requires you to have a vaccine for it. Meningitis is common in Senegal and is a bacterial disease. Also, getting a vaccine for rabies would be a good idea incase you get bitten by an infected mammal. Two major emergent diseases associated with parts of West Africa are ebola and zika.
Natalie Hill
2/2/2016 05:50:16 pm
References:
Katie Alerte
2/2/2016 07:54:04 pm
Apart from just getting routine vaccines, getting vaccines for Malaria, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Meningitis, Rabies, and Hepatitis B is highly recommended.
Dr. Monahan
2/2/2016 07:58:02 pm
Wow - so far these comments are great - maybe you all should consider medicine for a career!
Jeffrey Bi
2/2/2016 08:10:28 pm
Travelers to Senegal should be required to take the vaccine for Yellow Fever, which is a emerging disease in Senegal. The other shots I think should be required are vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which could be infected through contaminated food and water sources. Although illnesses for these are common ideas when going to these types of areas, one shot that people might not think about getting is the rabies shot; this disease does not cross people's minds in the US but in a country like Senegal, it is possible to get bitten by an infected animal as shots are not required like they are in the US, so better safe than sorry. 2/2/2016 08:21:12 pm
If I were going to Senegal I would have the Hepatitis A vaccine, Malaria vaccine, Typhoid Vaccine, and Yellow Fever vaccine. The Hepatitis A vaccine is very important because, according to the CDC, Hepatitis A endemicity has stricken greater than 10% of the population. More importantly, this illness is spread though food and water which is a necessity for anyone. Next, a Malarial vaccine is important because the CDC says the risk for of Americans catching the Virus is reportedly, "high." Malarial medications are intended to be taken before, during, and after the time spent in Africa. Typhoid vaccinations are also advised because like Hepatitis A, this disease is spread through food and water, and close contact with people can also lead to a higher risk of contracting this disease. The CDC also advises against spending prolonged amounts of time in smaller isolated towns where hygiene isn't as developed and contamination of food and water remains high. Finally, the Yellow Fever vaccination is perhaps the most important for legal and safety issues. First of all, travelers to the region have a very high risk of contracting Yellow Fever in Senegal, but legally, the Senegal government requires proof that you received a vaccination for this illness. Of the other vaccines, which should be taken for personal safety, the Yellow Fever vaccination is the only vaccine that is mandatory. Although the decision to take any of these vaccines is up to you with the exception of the Yellow Fever vaccine, any traveler from the U.S. is at heightened risk to contract any one of these diseases and more because of a lack of immunity.
Allie C.
2/2/2016 08:32:10 pm
I think the vaccines you need to travel to Senegal include Hepatitis A, Malaria, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, and Rabies. In addition to these vaccines, you should be up-to-date on your regular vaccinations, which include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. You need these vaccines because there is a risk of getting these diseases in Senegal. More specifically, both Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be contracted from contaminated food or water. On the other hand, you can get Malaria and Yellow Fever through mosquito bites, and Hepatitis B is spread through contact. You are recommended to get the Meningitis vaccine if you visit Senegal during the dry season, which is December through June, because the country is part of the "meningitis belt" of sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, people pick up rabies from dogs, bats, and other mammals in Senegal.
Dr. Monahan
2/2/2016 08:38:11 pm
Is there a vaccine for malaria? How can I protect myself from malaria? New posters can answer these questions instead of above questions if you choose. 2/3/2016 07:59:21 am
There is NOT a malarial vaccine, but there are medications that should be taken to help prepare the body for malaria.
Omar Shareef
2/2/2016 09:27:32 pm
Many emergent diseases associated with Senegal and parts of West Africa include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, Typhoid Fever, Malaria, Dengue fever, Yellow fever, African Trypanosomiasis, and Chikungunya. Those travelling to Senegal should already have had their routine vaccines which include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and yearly flu shots. Travelers should also be vaccinated with Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever vaccines if going to Senegal. In order to prevent the reception of these diseases one should get vaccinated, eat and drink safely, keep away from animals, avoid sharing body fluids, take antimalarial medications, try and prevent bug bites, reduce your exposure to germs, and avoid non-sterile medial or cosmetic equipment.
Omar Shareef
2/2/2016 09:28:26 pm
References:
Kristi Beckett
2/2/2016 09:38:29 pm
In order to travel to Senegal certain vaccines are required, but first and foremost you have to make sure you are updated on your routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR),diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chicken pox and polio. There are also certain vaccines required that are not routine such as Hepatitis A because you can easily get Hepatitis A though contaminated food or water in Senegal. Another vaccine that is suggested is Typhoid, because you can also acquire this disease though contaminated food and water especially in small rural areas of Senegal. Also the CDC requires that you get the Yellow fever vaccine because it is a risk in most all of Africa, and when entering Senegal the government will ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination. Therefore, the yellow fever vaccination is not just recommended but required. Those are the most common Senegal traveler vaccinations but there are also people who get the meningitis vaccine because Senegal is apart of the "meningitis belt" which mostly is seen from December-June. All of these vaccinations are extremely important for a trip to Senegal where all of these disease are emergent at the moment and can be found all over West Africa. In order to find out more information on these diseases I would recommend going to the CDC's website.
John A
2/3/2016 12:17:37 am
I believe that it is important for you to get vaccines for Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, and Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Meningitis and Rabies. Typhoid and Hepatitis A are commonly spread by contaminated food or water. So take caution when trying new foods and make sure the water you're drinking looks clean and comes from a clean source. Yellow Fever and Malaria are spread by mosquito bites so it is important to pack plenty of mosquito repellent. In addition, for malaria it is important to take you're pills everyday before you enter the country and while you're in the country. For yellow fever, it is required they you have a vaccination before you enter the country. In 2014 there was major Ebola outbreak in West Africa, recently the outbreak has calmed down and according to the WHO there are no more reported cases of Ebola in Senegal. However, if you see someone displaying symptoms of bleeding, fever, and abdominal pain take precautions against them. Hepatitis B is spread by bodily fluids. It is wise to drink out of your own bottle of water at all times. Lastly Meningitis and Rabies are spread by exposure to germs, washing you hands and be cautious about what you touch is a good precaution.
Owen P
2/3/2016 05:43:48 am
To travel to Senegal you are going to have to get a vaccine for Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. It is very important that you get a Yellow Fever vaccine because you get Yellow Fever from getting bit by an infected mosquito. Also you can contract Hepatitis A and/or Typhoid from contaminated food. Also you may notice that Rabies, and think that it is an odd choice, but unlike here in the states it is rather easy to get bitten by an infected person. Also to answer you second question, currently Ebola is the emergent disease that is currently region that region of the world.
Owen P
2/3/2016 05:44:32 am
Source: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/senegal
In preparation for your trip to Senegal you should be sure to get the vaccines for Hepatitis A, Malaria, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever as well as Hepatitis B, Meningitis, and Rabies, which infect certain travelers to Senegal. The Hepatitis A can be contracted through water and food in Senegal. The Center of Disease Control recommends that you take prescription medicine before, during, and after the trip to Senegal to be sure not to procure Malaria, carried by mosquitos. Typhoid can also be contracted through eating and drink the water, according to the CDC it is especially a concern in a rural environment within Senegal, stay with family or friends, or if you plan to actively try new foods. Senegal requires for any travelers into the country to be vaccinated for Yellow Fever which potentially is also caused by bug bites. Hepatitis B can be contracted through sexual contact but also contaminated blood and needles and so is recommended to have before entering
Jane C.
2/3/2016 06:37:55 am
Source:
Sophia O
2/3/2016 06:36:46 am
Aside from routine vaccines, which include measles, tetanus, polio, and yearly flu shots, I believe that because you are traveling to West Africa, it is also important to get vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Malaria. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are spread by contaminated food and water. Because Senegal is a developing country, the risk of running into contaminated food or water that has not been contained is much higher. Yellow Fever and Malaria on the other hand, are spread through bites by certain species of mosquitos that are infected. Because these species of mosquitos are found in West Africa, these illnesses are more prevalent. In specific malaria is a higher threat to those in subsaharan Africa because a species of the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, that is most common there, has been seen to cause the most death. Though no true vaccine has yet to be developed for malaria, a number of prescription medications are available to prevent it. In addition, it is important to take standard precautions, such as covering exposed skin and wearing insect repellent. It also may be a good idea to get a vaccine for meningitis because Senegal is a part of the "meningitis belt" (meaning it is a higher risk there) and because you are traveling to Senegal during the dry season (from December to June) when it is most common.
Ivor Z.
2/3/2016 08:52:59 am
You should keep up on your normal vaccines for things such as the flu, tetanus, etc., but there are some diseases in parts of Africa that you wouldn't normally be vaccinated for or aren't usually a threat. The diseases you should get vaccinated for include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Meningitis. There is not a vaccine for Malaria, so it is best to get medication for that and stay on it for your whole trip. A rabies vaccine isn't a bad idea, and you should bring some antibiotics for emergencies. Yellow fever Is required to visit Senegal because it is in ideal climate Hepatitis A because it can be transmitted by contaminated water or contaminated food, also Malaria because it is prevalent in warm environments and is transmitted by mosquitos. and also make sure you have your routine vaccines.
Alexander S.
2/3/2016 09:51:12 am
First things first is to make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. For Senegal, you will need a Hepatitis A vaccine because you can always contract it from food and water. You will also need an anti-malarial medication and vaccine and avoid mosquitos. You will also need a typhoid vaccine especially if you are visiting small cities and down. A Yellow Fever vaccine is also needed for anyone older than 9 months. There are other diseases like Hepatitis B, Meningitis (Meningococcal disease) and Rabies. Those can be avoided by washing your hands. Rabies is the most potent of them especially in travelers involved in outdoor and other activities that put them at risk for animal bites, people who will be working with or around animals.
David Israel
2/3/2016 09:52:19 am
You should have all of the vaccines that you would need in America such as the flu vaccine because in Senegal there is a high chance that there is more of it due to their lack of resources. Along with that you should get additional vaccines such as for Hepatitis or Yellow Fever because much like with the flu, there is going to be more of the diseases we don't have in America. Along with that I believe that you should bring. antibiotics just as a backup
Chase Marshall
2/3/2016 10:09:08 am
what vaccines you think I need to travel to Senegal and why...remember support with evidence and credible sources. Another question you might opt to answer: what emergent diseases are associated with parts of west Africa?
Ellie Huryn
2/3/2016 08:31:49 pm
Travelers to Senegal would need vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, since there is a risk of contracting these diseases in Senegal. You should also take prescription medicine for malaria before, during, and after the trip to Senegal, but there is no vaccine for this disease. Hepatitis A is a liver disease spread by contaminated food and water. It is important to get the Hepatitis A vaccination because it is common in travelers going to developing countries, especially in rural areas. Typhoid fever is a serious disease also spread by contaminated food and water. Travelers to Asia, Africa, and LAtin America are especially at risk, so it is important for you to get vaccinated for typhoid before traveling to Senegal. Yellow fever is a virus spread through mosquito bites. Travelers going to certain parts of South America and Africa are at risk, which is why you should also get vaccinated for Yellow fever. Malaria is another disease spread by mosquito bites. People who spent more time outdoors or sleep outdoors are at a higher risk of this disease. There is no vaccine for malaria, but you can take prescription medicine if it is recommended for your destination.
Anand
2/4/2016 06:43:05 am
As of now, there is no active vaccine for malaria due to the world not putting enough resources into the task. In order to create a safe, effective, and affordable malarial vaccine which would save millions of lives each year in Africa and Asia, increased resources along with new breakthroughs in the scientific community will be needed. Developing a malaria vaccine is extremely difficult as the parasite constantly changes itself in order to evade the immune system. A person can prevent themselves from getting malaria by trying to avoid going to third world countries in tropical areas unless it's absolutely necessary. Once there mosquito nets and mosquito repellent would be necessary precautions that would certainly help to prevent malaria. Another precaution would be to avoid going outside unless you need to because it increases your risk of contracting malaria.
davidg1
2/16/2016 11:35:56 pm
Some of the biggest problems with Africa are contaminated food and water as well as mosquitos... in surplus. In light of this you most likely received (or should have received) Hepatitis A and Typhoid as you can get those through the food and water. For mosquitos, you should have a malaria vaccination. You also, not just as a traveler to Africa but a traveler in general should be up on all of your routine vaccines as a general safety precaution. Leave a Reply. |
About this Blog:I am a former Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellow, a program of the U.S. Department of State. I have completed graduate level training in Global Education and traveled to Senegal in April with the program to explore their educational system. This blog is a piece of the global education guide I have created to support other teachers and students in globalizing their classrooms. My focus area is life and environmental science and understanding the interconnectedness of Earth. For more information on the fellowship please visit the IREX website. Archives
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