Travel Health News
Keeping You Up To Date On The Latest Travel Health News
Nomad Travel Health Line: 0906 8633414 (calls cost £0.60 p/min)
Take a look at our latest TRAVEL HEALTH BOOKLET, which is full of informative travel health information and up to date information on vaccinations, malaria and other useful travel health tips.
Consultation
Have a 10 minute consultation with a medical professional at any of our clinics. Price: £5 refundable against vaccinations. Contact your nearest Nomad Travel Clinic for details.
May 14th 2008
MYANMAR
Cholera has been reported from the Irrawaddy Delt. A doctor working locally spoke to the media and reported that cholera had broken out in the two main towns of Bogalay and Laputta.
Advice for travellers: Cholera vaccine is available for those going to the region in a relief work capacity.
CHINA
Hand foot and mouth outbreak has become a notifiable disease, and as a result of this and greater public awareness the figures have greatly increased. The local official figure now stands at 19,962 cases and 30 deaths. WHO have notification of 4,496 cases and 22 deaths. The outbreak has now spread to almost 20 provinces across the country. The total number of infections in the worst affected province of Anhui has risen to 6545.
Advice for travellers: Travellers to this area are advised to avoid crowded areas and limit person to person contact where practical. The disease is common in children and young adults. Fever, rash and sores in the mouth are classic symptoms of the disease. Medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms occur.
AFRICA
Substandard and counterfeit antimalarials. A range of antimalarial drugs were procured from private pharmacies in urban and peri-urban areas in the major cities of 6 African countries. These are areas that are highly endemic for malaria. Counterfeit drugs are a well known problem in both Africa and Asia.
Advice for travellers: Seek advice on malaria prophylaxis in advance of your trip and purchase the recomended tablets for the areas you are visiting. Don't rely on getting them in country. Don't forget to take bite avoidance measures at all times in a high risk area.
UGANDA
Hep E outbreak. Hepatitis E, is a deadly disease that is causing havoc in the northern district of Kitgum and has now spread to the West Nile region. Health minister Stephen Mallinga told journalists that hepatitis E, which was reported in the 4 parishes of Madi, Opei Sub-county in Kitgum late last year [2007], has now spread to Yumbe District in West Nile and 4 other sub-counties in Kitgum District.The cause of the ongoing outbreak is the very low number of available latrines, contaminated water and poor personal hygiene.
Advice for travellers: This outbreak is occurring in a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and is a greater risk for aid workers who may be involved in humanitarian work within Madi Opei. There is no vaccine against hepatitis E and prevention consists of ensuring safe food and water and a high standard of personal hygiene.
May 12th 2008
UNITED KINGDOM
There has been an outbreak of mumps amongst students at Kingston University London. Students have been urged to attend emergency immunisation clinics this week after twenty suspected cases of mumps were reported in the last month. Five students have already been diagnosed with the highly contagious virus, which causes swelling of the neck and face, fever and earache as well as deafness and severe abdominal pain in more serious cases.
Advice for Travellers: We strongly recommend that students at the university and people visiting the area who have not been immunised with two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine) take this opportunity to ensure that they are adequately protected from the virus.
SINGAPORE
Singapore's Health Ministry confirmed the seventeenth case of the mosquito-borne chikungunya disease on Thursday 8th May.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
CHINA
The outbreak of HFMD in Anhui Province has now spread south to include the provinces of Zheijiang, Henan, Hubei, Jiangxi and Guangdong. Six hundred and twenty two new cases were reported in Anhui on May 3rd 2008, bringing the total number of cases to 5151. Twenty two children have died in Fuyang and all day care centres have been closed.
Advice for Travellers: Travellers to this area are advised to avoid crowded areas and limit person to person contact where practical. The disease is common in children and young adults. Fever, rash and sores in the mouth are classic symptoms of the disease. Medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms occur.
TURKEY
On Monday May 5th 2008, three more people died from Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), raising the death toll to five in the past week. In Samsun province, two people died from CCHF and another four with similar symptoms have been in medical care since then. A 57 year old man was bitten by a tick three weeks ago and died. His family said they had taken him to a hospital a few days after the tick bite, which occurred in the garden of their hom in the village of Kirecoca in Corum province.
Advice for Travellers: Take precautions to avoid tick bites - wear long trousers and sleeves while out in rural areas. Permethrin can be used to treat clothing. People should be aware of tick bites and should never try to take out the ticks that have stuck to their skin. In case of a tick bite, the skin should be covered with antiseptic. The tick should be removed using tweezers with great care, and ioding should be applied to the bite.
MYANMAR
Tropical cyclone. The Myanmar (Burmese) government has declared a state of emergency in Rangoon, Mon, Irrawaddy, Karen and Bago following Cyclone Nargis. Cyclone Nargis hit the country on 2-3 May 2008 and the Irrawaddy Delta area and Rangoon have suffered significant damage to the infrastructure although Rangoon airport has now reopened. It has been estimated that more than 22,000 deaths have occurred as a result. Relief agencies such as MSF, Red Cross and Red Crescent are in the area; clean water, food and shelter are major problems at present.
Advice for Travellers: Travellers should, if possible, avoid this area as it is predicted there will be outbreaks of disease.
SRI LANKA
Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry Officials have reported an outbreak of Chikungunya fever in the district of Ratnapura. 2000 families in the district are reported to be infected with the disease while a further 500 people were seeking fever treatment at the local hospital.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
THAILAND
Thailand's Public Health Ministry has reported over 10,000 cases of dengue fever since the outbreak began in January 2008.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
ARGENTINA
The first case of animal rabies in six years has been reported from the province of Cordoba. The animal was a puppy bought at a street pet fair which bit five individuals before it died on 11 Apr 2008. Rabies was confirmed and all those exposed to the animal were given post-exposure treatment. The authorities implemented a wide dog and cat vaccination campaign in the area where the puppy was housed. A search is underway for two other puppies sold at the pet fair by the same supplier.
Advice for Travellers: Rabies vaccination should be considered if travelling to affected area (children in particular) and if more than 24 hours away from a reliable source of immunoglobulin and vaccine.
PERU
Yellow fever (update) - During epidemiological week 20-26 Apr 2008, another two probable cases of yellow fever was recorded. The first from the Loreto department and the second from Tocache Nuevo, San Martin department. So far in 2008, 13 cases of yellow fever have been reported in Peru.
Advice for Travellers: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers to risk areas. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; cover up with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditioning or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer-term stays.
April 28th 2008
BULGARIA
A suspected Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever outbreak has been reported. Cases were reported in the municipality of Gotse Delchev, in Blagoevgrad district, Bulgaria, an area bordering Greece and Macedonia. CCHF is an endemic infection in Bulgaria, and particularly in this area. In recent years, several cases of CCHF have been reported (between 2 and 20 cases annually), with a mortality rate varying between 10 and 50 percent. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus. All the reported cases in this cluster occurred in areas with climatic conditions favorable to intensive growth of the tick population: 4 patients had been exposed to ticks, and two were exposed through blood from a patient.
Advice for travellers: Take precautions to avoid tick bites wear long trousers and sleeves while out in rural areas. Check for ticks. Permetherin can be used to treat clothing.
SOUTH AFRICA
Two cholera cases have been confirmed in Soweto. Health officials confirmed that the cases were from an informal settlement in Kliptown, Soweto. The source of infection is unknown and an investigation is underway. Soweto is an urban area in the city of Johannesburg.
Advice for travellers: Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera. Also seek advice on water purification.
CANADA
There is an on going measles outbreak in Canada; six health regions in southern Ontario have reported 10 cases of IgM positive measles since 19 Mar 2008. Of those cases, 8 are epidemiologically linked, the source of the primary infection is not known. The 10 cases range in age from 6 to 42 years of age. One case had received a single dose of measles containing vaccine, a second had received 2 doses and the remaining cases were completely unimmunised.
Advice for travellers: It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 4-5 years, while unimmunised adults who have not had the diseases themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk.
INDIA
Bird flu has resurfaced in north east India. Authorities in a remote northeastern state of India prepared to cull thousands of chickens after a fresh outbreak of bird flu in poultry was detected on Tuesday 22 Apr 2008.
Advice for travellers: No vaccine is available for this strain of influenza - travellers should be aware of this and are urged to seek medical attention for flu-like illnesses, particularly if they have been in contact with chicken or ducks in poultry farms or markets.
ARGENTINA
Argentinean authorities have confirmed a further case of yellow fever in the region bordering Brazil. This brings the total number of people affected in Argentina this year to six.
Advice for travellers: Travellers visiting risk areas are advised to have yellow fever vaccine at least ten days prior to travel. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; cover up with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditioning or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
April 22nd, 2008
BAHAMAS
A second case of P. falciparum malaria, which was most likely acquired in Great Exuma, has been reported. The traveler is a member of the Canadian Forces based in Afghanistan since Aug 2007. He spent spent 7 days in a tourist resort and took no mosquito bite avoidance measures. He developed symptoms 7 days after his return to Afghanistan where malaria was diagnosed. Given the incubation 0period and the low risk in Afghanistan, it is felt that the most likely exposure site was Great Exuma.
Advice for travellers: Current advice for UK travellers is to take bite avoidance measures being especially cautious around dusk and dawn times. The risk of malaria in the Bahamas is low. Report any fevers promptly.
LIBERIA
Yellow fever outbreak reported, one suspected case and one laboratory confirmed case of yellow fever from Zuotuo, Tappita District, Nimba County. The confirmed case, a 32 year-old man, died from the illness and the other suspected case has recovered.
Advice For Travellers: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers to Liberia and an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxisis a mandatory requirement as a condition of entry (WHO).
MADAGASCAR
Rift Valley fever outbreak - there are reports of 418 suspected cases, including 17 deaths of Rift Valley fever from Alaotra Mangoro Region (Toamasina Province), Analmanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra Regions (central Madagascar) and Anosy Region (Toliara Province). The infection has been laboratory confirmed in 59 human cases.
Advice for travellers: Rift Valley fever virus is carried by mosquitoes but can also be transmitted by contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. Although a low risk for travellers, avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
AUSTRIA/SWITZERLAND
EURO 2008 - The European football championship is due to commence in Austria/Switzerland in June 2008. There is an ongoing outbreak of Measles in Austria.
Advice for travellers: Those individuals who have not recieved two doses of MMR vaccination and are visiting the infected areas should do so prior to travel to this event.
April 17th, 2008
EGYPT
The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 30-year-old female from Al-Matarya, Cairo Governorate. She developed symptoms on Wed 2 Apr 2008 and was hospitalized and died on 11 Apr 2008. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3).
Advice for travellers: No vaccine is available for this strain of influenza - travellers should be aware of this and are urged to seek medical attention for flu-like illnesses, particularly if they have been in contact with chicken or ducks in poultry farms or markets.
VIETNAM
The cholera outbreak which began in Hanoi has now spread to southern Ho Chi Minh City and 16 provinces. Since early Mar 2008, 1335 cases of acute diarrhoea have been recorded and 136 have tested positive for cholera. Public Health Officials suspect that the infection has spread rapidly along the country's north-south railway line as hygienic conditions are poor in many of the carriages.
Advice for travellers : Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
THAILAND
The Public Health Minister has raised public awareness of the risk of dengue fever as more than 7000 suspected cases were recorded in the first 3 months of 2008. This compares with 4209 cases for the same time period of 2007.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
BURKINA FASO
Meningococcal meningitis (update) - The Ministry of Health has reported that the outbreak of meningococcal meningitis is ongoing and has affected large numbers of individuals, with 3181 suspected cases recorded from 1 Jan to 2 Mar 2008, of whom 366 have died. Fourteen districts have been affected, 5 of which have declared a state of epidemic. An immunisation campaign is underway.
Advice for Traveller:s Meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine is available for those considered to be at risk.
MALAYSIA
It has been noted that there has been a steady increase in dengue fever for the first 3 months of 2008. From Jan -Mar 2008, a total of 9889 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed.. The central Selangor state recorded most cases followed by the capital Kuala Lumpur and the southern state of Johor.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
SINGAPORE
The number of dengue fever cases are increasing in Singapore with a 60% rise from Jan-Mar 2008, compared to the same time period in 2007. A campaign is underway to destroy mosquito breeding sites.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
The Department of Public Health in Limerick has recently been notified of 18 cases of mumps across the Mid-West area, with over half of the cases amongst students at the University of Limerick. Close contacts of the cases are being offered vaccination through the Student Health Service. Uptake of MMR in Ireland is low at 77%.
Advice for Travellers: Unimmunised adults who have not had the diseases themselves can consider vaccination if risks are high for the individual.
8th April 2008
VIETNAM
The Health Ministry of Vietnam have reported a spread of acute watery diarrhoeal illness from Hanoy, Ha Tay and Hai Phong to five other provinces within the country - Thahn Hoa City, Thanh Hoa Province, Hoang Hoa, Vinh Loc and Hau Loc. Fifty cases of acute diarrhoea were reported within the last week including 6 positive cases of Vibrio Cholerae. The Health Ministry have also reported cases from the northern regions of the country including Nam Dihn, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Vihn Phuc and Bac Giang.
Advice for travellers : Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
ARGENTINA
The Ministry of Health for Argentina have extended their recommendations for yellow fever vaccination. Due to ongoing outbreaks in monkeys being reported in Argentina, vaccination is now being recommended for all travellers over the age of 9 months to the regions of Argentina bordering Paraguay and Brazil in the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Salta and all areas of Misiones including Iguazu Falls.
Advice for travellers: The areas mentioned in this report are within the yellow fever endemic zone and vaccination should normally be considered for travellers to Misiones province.
PARAGUAY
The yellow fever crisis is continuing in Paraguay.The Paraguay Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) the first cases of yellow fever disease identified in Paraguay in more than 30 years. As of March 31, 2008, a total of 26 confirmed cases (including 8 deaths) of yellow fever in humans have been reported by the Paraguay MOH. These cases have been reported from the following departments: 15 cases in San Pedro Department, in the east central region of Paraguay; 10 cases in Central Department, near the capital city, Asuncion; and one case in Caaguazú Department, an area east of Asuncion.
Advice for travellers: In response to the current outbreak, vaccination recommendations have been extended to include all areas of Paraguay until further notice. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; cover up with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditioning or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer-term stays.
As of 15 Mar 2008, the Ministry of Health has recorded two confirmed cases of yellow fever, four suspected cases and three deaths so far this year.The two confirmed cases died; the first a 22 year-old woman from Nueva District in the Amazonas Department and the second a 29 year-old man from the Picota department of San Martin.
Local health official from the state of Rio de Janerio have stated that around 32,000 cases of dengue fever, including 49 deaths have been reported in the capital this year.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer-term stays.
A nine year old boy who caught a rare virus while visiting family in Southeast Asia is recovering at a Childrens Hospital in Seattle. The boy travelled with his father and siblings to Vietnam and Cambodia in January; he was bitten by a mosquito and became infected with the rare Japanese encephalitis virus.
18th March 2008
NEW CALEDONIA
As of 11 Mar 2008, 162 confirmed cases of dengue fever have been reported to the Health Department since the beginning of the year (2008).
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up; the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
SOMALIA
An outbreak of cholera in Beled-Hawa district, Gedo region has been confirmed by laboratory testing in Kenya. The district is close to Mandera town in Kenya and has been suffering a heatwave with high humidity which is worsening the clinical effects of the infection; so far 24 individuals have died. Thousands of people have migrated to the area for safety reasons recently and other milder illnesses are occurring as well as cholera.
Advice for travellers : Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
NAMIBIA
A cholera outbreak has been reported from the Engela Health District in Ohangwena Region. The outbreak has been caused by contaminated drinking water following recent flooding in the north of the country. In the past week 72 suspected cases have been reported and 4 have been confirmed as cholera.
Advice for travellers : Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
MOZAMBIQUE
The Red Cross Society has reported cholera in several areas of the country. The infection has spread to 8 out of 11 provinces, with Tete province worst affected. The outbreak is related to recent flooding and around 20 individuals are affected daily.The situation appears to be worsening; in Mutarara district, 825 cases have been reported including 14 deaths. The provinces affected are Zambezia, Tete, Sofala, Manica, Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Maputo and Maputo City province. This outbreak has been ongoing since Oct 2007 and countrywide there have been 4452 cases, including 48 deaths recorded in total.
Advice for travellers : Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
ZIMBABWE
The Red Cross Society has reported a cholera outbreak from two areas of the country; the provinces of Mashonaland Central and East. It is thought that the infection may have been imported across the border from Mozambique where an outbreak has been ongoing since Oct 2007.
Advice for travellers : Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
PHILLIPINES
An outbreak of typhoid fever has been reported from Iloilo City the capital of Iloilo province in the Western Visayas region. From 1 Jan to 8 Mar 2008, 217 suspected cases have been recorded with one fatality confirmed as typhoid and 3 more deaths under investigation. Most of the suspected cases have come from the Waterfront Area in the City Proper District.
Advice for travellers: Vaccination against typhoid fever is usually recommended for the Philippines. Precautions with food, water and personal hygiene are also essential.
IRAQ
The World Health Organisation is to coordinate an immunisation campaign in an attempt to contain a measles outbreak in the western province of Anbar. Around 100 children have been affected by the infection. The 10 day campaign, which began on 9 Mar 2008, aims to immunise around 200,000 children. Fighting and political unrest has lead to a serious drop in vaccine coverage and only 1 in 4 infants had received measles vaccine at the end of 2007.
Advice for travellers: Those going to the area should ensure that they are immunised against measles unless they have a history of previous measles infection. Two doses of measles containing vaccine are necessary for long term protection.
EGYPT
A new case of human avian influenza has been announced by the Ministry of Health and Popualtion of Egypt. The case is an 8 year old boy from Etsa District, Fayum Governorate. He was admitted to hospital with symptoms on the 3 March 2008. He is currently recieving treatment and is reported to be in a stable condition.
Advice for travellers: No vaccine is available for this strain of influenza and travellers should be aware of this and are urged to seek medical attention for flu-like illnesses particularly if they have been in contact with chicken or ducks in poultry farms or markets.
ARGENTINA
The Ministry of Public Health of the Nation have reported two new confirmed cases of yellow fever and one suspected fatal case of yellow fever within the country. The 1st case, a 24 year old male from Guarani department in the Misiones province. The man began to experience symptoms of yellow fever on the 10 February 2008 and is reported to be recovering well. The second case, a 23 year old male from the department of El Dorado, Misiones province. Both men have reported no history of yellow fever vaccination. The suspected case which was fatal involved a 39 year old male living in the Guarani department, Misiones province.
Advice for travellers: The areas mentioned in this report are within the yellow fever endemic zone and vaccination should normally be considered for travellers to Misiones province.
PARAGUAY
The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare of Paraguay have reported a total of 24 confirmed cases of yellow fever in the country since the begining of the outbreak. The last suspected case (fatal) was reported on the 6th March 2008. This last case reported was from the San Pedro department.
Advice for travellers: In response to the current outbreak, vaccination recommendations have temporarily been extended to include all areas of Paraguay. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; cover up with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditioning or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer-term stays.
CHINA
Since mid-February 2008, Hong Kong has been experiencing several outbreaks of influenza which have mainly affected schools and community settings. The Hong Kong Health Protection Centre reported 14 confirmed institutional outbreaks. To date, three deaths in children with influenza-like symptoms were reported.
Advice for travellers: No vaccine is available for this strain of influenza - travellers should be aware of this and are urged to seek medical attention for flu-like illnesses particularly if they have been in contact with chicken or ducks in poultry farms or markets.
AUSTRALIA
There have been inreases in reported cases of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections in rural areas in New South Wales over the summer months. 380 cases of Ross River virus were reported between Janaury and February 2008, up from 78 cases reported for the same period in 2007. Cases of Barmah Forest virus doubled in January and February 2008, where 121 cases were reported. Both infections are spread by mosquito bites and may cause symptoms including fever, tiredness, rash and joint pain and swelling that last several days or longer.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer-term stays.
PALAU
A total of 25 cases of dengue fever were reported in February 2008 and an additional 6 cases reported in March 2008. Dengue fever has been circulating in Palau since May 2007, with the highest number of cases reported in February 2008.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer-term stays.
10th March 2008
TRINIDAD
Health Officials have reported 108 confirmed cases of dengue fever since the beginning of the year (2008). Cases have occurred throughout the country in general; mostly in poorer areas where mosquito breeding sites are more common.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
VIETNAM
The Ministry of Health has reported around 4000 dengue fever cases so far this year (2008). This represents a 10% increase compared with 2007. The infection is spreading mostly in the central and southern provinces, of which Ho Chi Min City, Tien Giang and Ben Tre are worst affected.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
NEW CALEDONIA
Around 104 cases of dengue fever have been recorded since this outbreak was first reported in Feb 2008. Most cases are concentrated in the capital Noumea and surrounding area. Other areas affected include the northeastern island of Lifou, part of the Loyalty group and on the Isle of Pines, south of the capital Noumea.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
AUSTRALIA
Health Officials have reported an increase in the number of dengue fever cases in Port Douglas. The total number of cases has risen to 14 despite mosquito eradication measures. The public are being encouraged to destroy any mosquito breeding sites.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
BRAZIL
Dengue fever continues to be a problem in Brazil and several states are reporting an increase in cases. In Para state, 15387 cases in total were recorded in 2007; so far in 2008, 4838 cases have been registered. In Bahia state, 3263 cases were recorded between 1 Jan - 25 Feb 2008; this compares with 1563 for the same time period in 2007. In the state of Rio De Janeiro, 8485 cases of dengue fever were recorded in Jan 2008 alone. This compares with 3229 for the same time period in 2007.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
SRI LANKA
Chikungunya fever has been reported from Sabaragamuwa province;150 cases have been identified in the area. The infection has been laboratory confirmed in samples sent to the Colombo Medical research Institute.
Advice for Travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up, the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised.
The Ministry of Health for Argentina have announced a confirmed case of yellow fever. The case, a 24 year old male from the town of San Vicente, Misiones Province, is reported to be recovering well.
The Department of Health, Goias have confirmed one further death of yellow fever in the state. The 65 year old lady was unvaccinated against yellow fever. She was hospitalised on the 13 January 2008 and died on the 19 January 2008.
The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt have announced two new human cases of avian influenza.
Officials from Kenya and Somalia have reported a number of fatalities along the remote border of the two countries in the past two weeks. Abubakar Abdi, a public health official in Kenya's Mandera district said that the source of the deaths was from waterborne disease. Meat exports to Somalia and Ethiopia have also been banned.
Officials from Somalia and Kenya have reported a number of fatalities from cholera along the remote border of the two countries in the past two weeks. The affected area in Somalia is reported to be within the Gedo region.
UNICEF has reported that the cholera outbreak in the Mwense district of Lapula Province is now under control. Lusaka district continues to report cases of cholera within high density settlements of Chipata Overspill, Chaisa, George and Matero. In Kitwe district, 35 cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been recorded with 6 cases being confirmed as cholera.
Cholera has increased in Cunene Province since the beginning of the year, due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Around 12,980 people have been displaced in the village of Sangongo and the provincial capital of Ondgiva. Five to seven new cholera cases are reported daily. The Angolan Red Cross and Oxfam are hoping to build 100 latrines in the affected area.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed 4 new cases of yellow fever. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 20, including 10 deaths. The new infections are from the department of San Pedro.
The Health Ministry and WHO have reported an outbreak of hepatitis E in Madi Opei Sub-county in Lamwo County, Kitgum District of northern Uganda. A total of 314 cases have been recorded since the outbreak began to spread in Nov 2008. The cause of the ongoing outbreak is the very low number of available latrines, contaminated water and poor personal hygiene.
3rd March 2008
YEMEN
The World Health Organisation has reported that there are around 3 million individuals infected with schistosomiasis in Yemen. Around 20% of those infected have serious complications from the illness. An eradication campaign will begin on 11 Mar 2008, which will provide treatment to a target age group of 6 -18 years. This age group is responsible for 90% of the spread of infection.
Advice for travellers: Travellers are advised not to swim, bathe or wade in fresh water lakes, ponds or slow running rivers. Travellers who think they may have been exposed to schistosomiasis should seek medical advice as serology can detect this infection from 8 weeks post exposure and treatment is simple and effective once the diagnosis is made.
VIETNAM
The Ministry of Health and National institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) in Vietnam have confirmed a new case of human infection of Avian Influenza H5N1. The case was a 23 year old woman from Cam Khe district, Phu Tho province who died on 25 Feb 2008. Of the 105 cases confirmed to date in Vietnam, 51 have been fatal.
Advice for travellers: No vaccine is available for this strain of influenza - travellers should be aware of this and are urged to seek medical attention for 'flu-like' illnesses, particularly if they have been in contact with chicken or ducks in poultry farms or markets.
CHINA (MAINLAND)
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a new case of human infection of Avian Influenza H5N1. The case was a 44 year old woman from Shanwei city, Guangdong province. Of the 30 confirmed cases to date in China, 20 have been fatal.
Advice for travellers: No vaccine is available for this strain of influenza - travellers should be aware of this and are urged to seek medical attention for 'flu-like' illnesses, particularly if they have been in contact with chicken or ducks in poultry farms or markets.
PARAGUAY
The Ministry of Health has confirmed 16 cases of yellow fever, including 3 deaths. Seven of these cases are from San Pedro Department and are related to the jungle cycle of the virus. The other 9 cases, including 3 deaths are from San Lorenzo Municipality, outside of Asuncion (possibly indicating urban transmission). Another 15 suspected cases are under investigation. Map of Paraguay (Via PAHO press release 26/02/08).
Advice for travellers: In response to the current outbreak, vaccination recommendations have temporarily been extended to include all areas of Paraguay. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; 'cover up' with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditioning or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer-term stays.
26th February 2008
The Ministry of Health has confirmed another death from yellow fever. The individual died in Dec 2007 and was infected with the virus in a forested area of Mato Grosso state. To date there are 31 confirmed cases, including 16 deaths from yellow fever recorded in 2008 in Brazil.
There are concerns that measles infection has broken out in the Kibera slum in the centre of Nairobi. The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) has reported at least 12 suspected cases among children. Kibera is an extensive slum area and is home to many of those displaced following the post-election violence in Kenya.
A new case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been reported in a Canadian tourist returning from a two week holiday in Punta Cana in Dominican Republic. The woman claims that she did not travel out of the hotel complex. It is not known if prophylaxis was taken.
The Ugandan health authorities have declared that the deadly outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever is now over. The last case was discharged from hospital on the 8th January 2008 in the Bundibugyo district which shares a border with Congo (DRC). 37 people died in the outbreak and 149 cases were reported in total.
The second case was confirmed in a 78 year old female from Eshowe, KwaZulu Natal. The woman was bitten on the hand by a dog on the 15th December 2007. She was admitted to hospital on the 3rd January 2008 with parathesia, decreased conciousness, salivation and hydrophobia. She died on the 25th January 2008. The woman did not seek post-exposure treatment for rabies following the dog bite.
The third case involved an 8 year old child from Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal. Rabies was confirmed by the direct fluorescent antibody test on brain tissue.
Advice for travellers: Rabies vaccination should be considered if travelling to affected area (children in particular) and if more than 24 hours away from a reliable source of immunoglobulin and vaccine.
Since November 2006, Switzerland has been experiencing a large outbreak of measles. The affected areas include Canton Lucerne, Basel-Land, Zurich, Bern and Aargau. The outbreak has mainly affected unvaccinated young children and adults.
Advice for Travellers:
The European football championship 2008 (EURO 2008) is due to commence in Switzerland/Austria in June 2008 where tournaments are scheduled to be played within the affected areas. MMR vaccination should be considered for those who are not protected against measles. Individuals who have not received MMR should receive two doses at least one month apart. An individual who has previously received one dose of MMR should receive a second dose to ensure that they are protected.CHINA (MAINLAND)
The media have reported an outbreak of measles in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the extreme northwest of China. The report says that 80% of those affected by the outbreak are children under the age of 4 years.
From 1 Jan to 10 Feb 2008, 1422 cases of meningococcal meningitis, including 204 deaths have been registered. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A has been identified as the causative agent. Immunisation is being carried out in the districts of Mangodara in the southwestern province of Komoe and Gaou in the southeastern province of Poni, targeting the 2 to 29 year-old population.
Advice for travellers:
Meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine is available for those considered to be at risk.CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
A total of 45 cases have been notified to WHO by the end of epidemiological week 6. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A has been identified as the causative agent.
A meningitis outbreak has been reported from Aru district, where 167 cases, including 17 deaths have been registered during the period from 1 Jan to 10 Feb 2008.The most affected areas include Laybo, Ariwara, and Aungba health zones.
19th February 2008
VENEZUELA
An outbreak of dengue fever has been reported from the state of Nueva Esparta on Margarita Island. Around 221 cases have been registered with the majority in the Gomez, Diaz and Marcano municipalities. Problems with water storage and waste collection appear to be compounding the problem.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
PERU
An increase in the number of suspected dengue fever cases has been registered in the Loreto Regional Health Directorate. This areas has been in an epidemic situation since the beginning of 2008, with 91% of the cases from the Iquitos, San Juan Bautista and Punchana districts.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
AUSTRALIA
Queensland Health has confirmed two individuals at Mossman, near Port Douglas, have acquired dengue fever.The last outbreak of dengue fever was between 1997-1999 when 498 individuals around Cairns were infected.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported an outbreak of meningitis that is spreading across three north-western districts of the country. Suspected cases and deaths have been reported from the districts of Ouham, Ouham Pende and Nana-Grebizi. Laboratory confirmation and serogrouping has not been reported. The WHO has requested money from the Emergency Response Fund to supply vaccine to the 80 000 people at the centre of the outbreak.
Advice for Travellers: Vaccination is recommended for long stays and mixing closely with the local population, especially towards the end of the the dry season (November to March)
SINGAPORE
As of 5 Feb 2008, the Ministry of Health has reported 13 probable cases of chikungunya fever in a loclised area of Singapore. A lack of recent travel and clustering of cases in a small geographic area suggests local transmission of this infection.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, by 'covering up', the use of bite avoidance and nets and elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised.
NIGERIA
A cholera outbreak has been reported from Cross River state in the south-east of the country. The outbreak began around three weeks ago and more than 60 children are reported to have died from the infection in and around the town of Ogoja. Other towns affected include Yala, Obudu, Mbube and Bekwara. The outbreak has been attributed to a shortage of drinking water which has caused people to use contaminated water form ponds and streams.
Advice for Travellers: Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
CONGO (DRC)
The cholera outbreak in the province of Katanga has not been contained. The outbreak began in Sep 2007 and two main areas are reporting most of the cases. Lubumbashi, the capital of the province has registered to date, 2543 cases and 49 deaths; Likasi, nearly 100 km north of the capital has registered 1486 cases and 48 deaths. Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) feel that the outbreak has not yet peaked with around 60 new cases daily.
Advice for Travellers: Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
ARGENTINA
There have now been 17 deaths among the monkey population in the Pinalito reserve, San Pedro (Misiones). The organs of one monkey have been laboratory confirmed as positive for yellow fever. Another 8 monkeys have died in a private reserve in Iguazu (near the Iguazu Falls) and are being tested for yellow fever. The Ministry of Health has recommended yellow fever vaccination as an interim measure for those living in or visiting the northern province of Misiones bordering Paraguay and Brazil. The Departments where vaccination is recommended are; Guarani, Monte Carlo, El Dorado, San Pedro, General Manuel Belgrano and Puerto Iguazu (the Iguazu Falls). No suspected human cases of yellow fever have been identified.
12th February 2008
PARAGUAY
From the 15th January to the 5th February, 13 suspected cases of yellow fever have been reported by the Paraguay national health authorities, including 2 fatalities. Paraguay has not reported yellow fever cases since 1974 even though the ecological conditions for transmission are present. Of the 13 cases, five (including 1 fatality) have met with the WHO case definition for confirmed yellow. All five cases participated in hunting activities in San Estanislao, the capital of the San Pedro department.
Advice for travellers: In response to the current outbreak, vaccination recommendations have been extended to include those travelling to the department of San Pedro. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; 'cover up' with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditioning or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Eliminatation of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays
VENEZUELA
An outbreak of dengue fever has been reported from the state of Nueva Esparta on Margarita Island. Around 221 cases have been registered with the majority in the Gomez, Diaz and Marcano municipalities. Problems with water storage and waste collection appear to be compounding the problem.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
PERU
An increase in the number of suspected dengue fever cases has been registered in the Loreto Regional Health Directorate. This areas has been in an epidemic situation since the beginning of 2008, with 91% of the cases from the Iquitos, San Juan Bautista and Punchana districts.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
AUSTRALIA
Queensland Health has confirmed two individuals at Mossman, near Port Douglas, have acquired dengue fever.The last outbreak of dengue fever was between 1997-1999 when 498 individuals around Cairns were infected.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported an outbreak of meningitis that is spreading across three north-western districts of the country. Suspected cases and deaths have been reported from the districts of Ouham, Ouham Pende and Nana-Grebizi. Laboratory confirmation and serogrouping has not been reported. The WHO has requested money from the Emergency Response Fund to supply vaccine to the 80 000 people at the centre of the outbreak.
Advice for Travellers: Vaccination is recommended for long stays and mixing closely with the local population, especially towards the end of the the dry season (November to March)
8th February 2008
PHILIPPINES
Three separate outbreaks of typhoid fever have been reported in the Philippines. The first, from a remote village in Nueva Vizcaya province in Luzon which has affected at least 80 individuals since 21 Jan 2008. The second from Davao del Sur province in the Davao region on Mindanao where more than 100 individuals were admitted to hospital between 14-20 Jan 2008. Typhoid fever has been laboratory confirmed. The third outbreak is reported from Catanduanes province in the Bicol region in Luzon. A total of 115 cases were admitted to hospital between 1 Dec 2007 and 9 Jan 2008.
Advice for travellers: Vaccination against typhoid fever is usually recommended for the Philippines. Precautions with food, water and personal hygiene are also essential.
CONGO (DRC)
The cholera outbreak in Lubumbashi is ongoing, with 767 individuals having received treatment from MSF to date. Around 30-40 new cases are being treated daily.
Advice for Travellers: It is recommended that travellers to Congo DRC have a poliomyelitis booster (or course) if not already protected and should take precautions with food, water and personal hygiene
BOLIVIA
Seasonal rains and flooding have been affecting Bolivia since Nov 2007 and the situation is worsening. The government has issued a red alert in the 9 departments affected. Around 24,430 families have been affected and the United Nations Disaster Assessment Team is due to arrive in the country today. To date, 30 deaths and 6 missing persons have been reported. All flooded areas are bordering the main rivers throughout the country, as much in the lowlands and valleys as in the high mountains of the Andes.
Advice to travellers: The rainy season normally runs until March. Landslides are common at this time and many roads are unpassable. Travellers should get up-to-date information from their Travel Company and the FCO before departure. Check that the roads are open before travelling in Bolivia.
COLOMBIA
The National Institute of Health in Colombia is concerned about the increse in dengue fever despite preventive and educational campaigns. Data has shown an increase of 10% in 2007 with 42 536 cases recorded. The worst affected areas are the cities of Yopal, Medellin, Cucuta, Villavicencion, Valledupar, Santa Marta and Cartagena.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
VENEZUELA
During 2007, dengue fever reached epidemic proportions in Venezuela and it appears to be continuing into 2008. In 2007, the greatest number of dengue fever cases were registered since the epidemic in the country in 1989. The worst affected states are: Zulia (77,269 cases in 2007), Miranda (5,584 cases), Guarico (4,938 cases), and Anzoategui (4,419 cases).
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
BOLIVIA
The Minister of Health has reported an outbreak of dengue fever in the Chapare region of Cochabamba department (state).The outbreak is a direct result of flooding in the country but is said to be under control.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
BRAZIL
The Secretariat of Health has reported an increase in dengue fever cases in Ceara state. From 1 Jan 2008, there have been 458 suspected cases among 58 municipalities. Of these 192 have been laboratory confirmed as dengue fever.
Advice for travellers: Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by 'covering up' and the use of bite avoidance. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
INDONESIA
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1 infection. The 31 year old from East Jakarta, Jakarta Province, died on the 31st Jan 2008. Of the 124 cases confirmed in Indonesia, 102 have been fatal.
Advice for travellers: Travellers should be advised to avoid live or dead birds (e.g. poultry markets) and areas heavily contaminated with bird or animal droppings. Thorough cooking destroys the virus in cooked poultry and eggs. Good hand hygiene remains important for all travellers. Travellers to areas of high prevelance are not advised to take oseltamivir (Tamiflu) with them for prophylaxis or treatment.
BRAZIL
The Ministry of Health has confirmed two new cases of yellow fever (YF), one in Mato Grosso do Sul state and the other in Goias state. In 2008, there have been 49 suspected cases of YF reported, of which 25 have been confirmed. The 13 deaths that have been registered so far in 2008 equal the total number of YF deaths in the previous four years; 12 deaths occurred in Goias state and one in the Federal District. Of the 25 confirmed cases, 90% were unvaccinated against YF.
Advice for travellers: Travellers visiting these areas are advised to have yellow fever vaccine at least ten days prior to travel. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; 'cover up' with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditionong or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Eliminatation of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays
UGANDA
The Kampala chief health inspector has confirmed that 6 people have been admitted to hospital for investigation. Four cases of cholera were confirmed. All of the confirmed cases belong to the same family. The family reside in Kifumbira zone in Kamwokya, a suburb of Kampala.
Advice for Travellers: Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
ARGENTINA
14 monkeys have been found dead in the Pinalito reserve, San Pedro (Misiones) due to suspected yellow fever. Laboratory results are awaited. A massive yellow fever vaccination campaign has commenced in San Pedro and Puerto Iguazu and yellow fever vaccination posts have been set up on the borders of Argentina and Brazil at the Iguazu falls.
Advice for travellers: Travellers visiting these areas are advised to have yellow fever vaccine at least ten days prior to travel. Avoidance of mosquito bites is important, particularly during daylight hours; 'cover up' with clothing and use repellent on exposed skin. Use air conditionong or sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. Eliminatation of breeding sites around hotel rooms/ houses is advised for longer-term stays.
NIGERIA
The ministry of health in Nigeria have reported an outbreak of cholera in the Oshimili South local government area. Numbers of cases are unknown at this time.
Advice for Travellers: Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
ZAMBIA
Suspected Cholera has broken out in Kitawe's Ipusukilo Township. Director of Health, Chikafuna Banda, reported that three people are currently under observation at the District Health Management Cholera Centre. Advice for Travellers: Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.
28th January 2008
SUDAN
WHO has reported that human cases of RVF have decreased continuously in recent weeks. As of 15 Jan 2008, a cumulative total of 698 cases, including 222 deaths, has been reported from 6 states; Gazeera, Kassala, Kartoum, River Nile, Sinnar and White Nile. No new cases have been reported since 5 Jan 2008.