(openPR) - Essential Travel reports a flurry of enquiries from worried customers, prompting the launch of a tropical diseases guide

Leading travel extras provider EssentialTravel.co .uk is experiencing an influx of enquiries relating to tropical diseases, following the news that pop-star and X Factor judge, Cheryl Cole, is battling malaria. The insurance travel extras specialist has responded by compiling a tropical diseases guide to help confused or concerned customers.

Cheryl, who is reportedly over the worst and in recovery, contracted malaria during a recent holiday to Tanzania, Africa. The impact of such a high profile figure contracting the disease has been an increase in awareness, among British holidaymakers, of the dangers of malaria and other tropical diseases in what EssentialTravel.co.uk is calling the “Cheryl Cole effect”.

“Most Brits feel very comfortable travelling to exotic countries on holiday but it can be confusing to figure out which vaccinations and preventions you need for where, particularly if you are visiting multiple destinations in one trip,” says Stuart Bensusan, Director, EssentialTravel.co.uk.

“The news of Cheryl Cole’s malaria has really brought home the importance of being prepared for exotic destinations, as is demonstrated by the nature of the enquiries we have been receiving from customers since the story broke. We have therefore created a Top Ten Tropical Diseases To Watch Out For guide to help customers stay safe on their travels and to dispel any unnecessary worries.”

EssentialTravel.co.uk’s guide tells holidaymakers which vaccinations to get, how long before departure they need to have them and where to be on the lookout for the top ten, which includes malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, meningitis, rabies, cholera, schistosoma, Japanese B encephalitis and polio. The guide also includes additional steps that holidaymakers can take to avoid contracting tropical diseases when travelling abroad.

For the full Top Ten Tropical Diseases To Watch Out For guide go to magazine.essentialtravel.co.uk/top-ten-tropical-diseases.asp

Established in 2001 and bought by Thomas Cook in 2010, EssentialTravel.co.uk is one of the UK's leading online travel extras company. The core products offered include competitively priced, fully comprehensive travel insurance; airport car parking; airport lounge access; airport hotels and car hire. For further information visit www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call

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