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General Medical Clinics Ltd.
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SOUTH AFRICA: CHANGES TO YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
5th July
The
South African Authorities have announced that they are about to make changes to
their requirements for Yellow Fever Vaccination Certification which will affect travellers
to and from the RSA. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination will be required for all travellers
over 1 year old entering South Africa from
- The Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Zambia
This includes travellers who are travelling through these countries, even if they are spending a short time at an airport. Travellers are advised to make sure of requirements for their specific itinerary before travelling. Further details will be posted on Travel Updates as they become available.
CHOLERA -
The cholera outbreak from November last
year (see below) continues and the Pan American Health Organisation has reported
that there have been 324,299 cases as of the end of May, with 5,342 deaths. Most
of these are in Haiti, but there has also been a marked increase in the popular holiday
destination of the Dominican Republic. Whilst there were 191 cases in 2010, there
have now been 1,329 cases to the end of May, with only for of the Republic’s 31 provinces
having escaped the disease.
The risk to travellers is still assessed as low, and
only one related case has been reported in the UK from a traveller to the Domincan
Republic. Travellers are advised to take extra care partcularly with water and shellfish.
The authorities are not recommending the cholera vaccine routinely, but advising
those who may be travelling to infected regions or areas with limited access to safe
drinking water to have the vaccine.
The vaccine is available at any medicentre.
E-
Please click here for the update
JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE -
North Eastern Japan 31 May
The FCO continues to advise against all but essential travel to north east Japan
and to Tokyo. They are also advising British nationals in Tokyo and the area to the
north to consider leaving the area due to the developing and uncertain situation
at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. There have been no reports so far of infectious
disease as a result of the disaster, but people are advised to take particular care
with water and food hygiene. For detailed information, please see
http://www.nathnac.org/travel/news/japanearthquake_150311.htm
MOSQUITO-
There has been a marked increase in mosquito-
EBOLA IN UGANDA
26th May
A single confirmed fatal case of Ebola has been reported to
the World Health Organisation by the Ugandan authorities. The last outbreak was in
2008, also in Uganda, where 180 people became infected. Travellers are advised only
in terms of information at this stage, as the likelihood of contracting the disease
is considered to be minimal.
JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE
North Eastern Japan 12 March
Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck North Eastern Japan
on the 11th, the Foreign Office, along with and the equivalent governmental organisations
of other nations, is advising against all travel to Tokyo and the North East of Japan
unless it is absolutely necessary. For further advice and information, please see:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-
for details of contacts, helplines and updates, and also
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-
RABIES
BALI, INDONESIA 26 Feb
There have been over 190 cases of human rabies reported in Bali in an outbreak that has been going on over the last two years. With Bali being such a popular travel destination, it is worth reminding people of preventative measures to be taken against the disease.
It is transmitted via a bite or via a lick from an animal to an open wound -
NZ EARTHQUAKE
Christchurch 22 Feb
Travellers should be aware that the damage caused
by the earthquake is extensive, and that public services, healthcare, electricity
supply and communications are expected to be disrupted for some time. There is also
danger from weakened structures throughout the Canterbury region. If you are travelling
to the area, you are advised to contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for the
latest information.
YELLOW FEVER
Uganda 10th Feb
There has been an outbreak of Yellow Fever in northern
Uganda, with over 225 cases and 53 deaths confirmed. Travellers to this area are
strongly urged to have a Yellow Fever vaccination and should be aware that many countries
require a certificate of vaccination if travelling from areas where YF is endemic.
INFLUENZA
UK and the West, 5th Jan
The UK, Western Europe and North America are all undergoing a major seasonal outbreak of influenza and so called ‘swine flu’. Though infection rates are high, it has not reached epidemic proportions.
Travellers and residents are urged to get vaccinated, especially the high-
All residents and travellers are asked to ‘catch
it, kill it and bin it’ and to ensure they wash their hands frequently, ideally using
a disinfectant preparation.
TYPHOID
PHILLIPINES 20 Dec
Contaminated water systems are believed to be behind an outbreak of Typhoid in the
Phillipines’ Cebu province. Some 320 cases had been reported as of December 17th.
Travellers
are advised to take especial precautions over food, watrer and personal hygiene.
Typhoid vaccinations are available at all Medicentres for those travelling to the
Phillipines.
Typhoid is a serious disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted via food and
water contaminated with faeces from an infected person. The symptoms of typhoid are
fever, chills, headache, malaise, myalgia, anorexia, nausea and abdominal pain. Diarrhoea
often occurs in the initial stages of the illness.
CHOLERA
HAITI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Nov 20
The cholera outbreak following the earthquake
in Haiti has been well publicised and the problem is escalating, according to the
OCHA with almost 17,000 cases reported and over 1,000 deaths. Those travelling to
Haiti should seek specific advice outside the scope of this service.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Health
Officials in the Dominican Republic are monitoring the situation closely along the
border with Haiti and have issued advice on hygiene and safe water practice to the
indigenous population living near the border or trading with Haiti. The cholera
vaccine is not being advised at this time, however travellers are requested to monitor
the situation. Only two cases of cholera have been reported as of November 26th.
Robert
Curley wrote in his Caribbean Travel Blog:
XIX COMMONWEALTH GAMES
NEW DELHI, INDIA Sept 27
The Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in New Delhi from October 3rd
to 14th. Travellers are reminded that it is important to take proper precautions
before departure.
You should ensure that you are up to date with the British Schedule
of vaccination which includes Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), as well as Tetanus,
Diptheria and Polio. These vaccinations are available at any Medicentre.
The Indian
Government has also reported that there have been consistent infections of Dengue
Fever this year, and travellers should take especial care to avoid insect bites during
both the day and night. There is no vaccine for Dengue Fever.
Please check the latest
information from NaTHNaC and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
WEST NILE VIRUS
GREECE, HUNGARY, ROMANIA & RUSSIA September 6th
The incidence of West Nile Virus (WNV) is increasing amongst animals in the Mediterranean
basin and has now been reported in humans. The risk to travellers is very low and
people are advised to take normal measures for the avoidance of mosquito bites.
Most
infections are asymptomatic (no symptoms) and less than 20% of infected people will
show symptoms of mild fever, headache and rash. In very rare cases, the infection
can lead to meningitis and/or encephalitis. People over 50 are most at risk, and
there is no vaccine.
TRICHINELLOSIS
ARGENTINA August 31st
There has been a marked
increase in the incidence of Trichinellosis in the provinces of La Pampa, Buenos
Aires, Mendoza, Santa Fe, San Luis and Cordoba, and travellers are reminded to ensure
that all meat products have been thoroughly cooked, especially pigs. Undercooked
or raw meat should be avoided completely.
Trichinellosis is caused by a parasite
which migrates from the stomach to muscles and organs via the blood stream, and can
prove fatal.
SALMONELLA OUTBREAK
USA August 27th
The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a substantial increase
in infections of a strain of Salmonella in a number of US states. The outbreak appears
to be linked with the distribution of hens eggs and a number of distribution companies
are conducting checks.
In the meantime and as a precautionary measure, travellers
are advised not to buy eggs under the brand names of Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain
Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland,
Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. NaTHNaC is advising travellers to avoid restaurant dishes
made raw, undercooked or unpasteurised eggs.
Most people make a full recovery from
a Salmonella infection and it is not considered life-
WILDFIRE AND SMOG
RUSSIA August 7th
The Foreign Office has advised “against all travel to specific regions
of Russia, and against all but essential travel to other specific regions of Russia"
because of the dense smog caused by wildfires arising from the unprecedented heatwave.
Many countries have evacuated non-
FLOODS IN PAKISTAN
Azzad Jammu, Kashmir, Baluchistan, Gilgit Baltistan, Kyber-
It is estimated that over a million people have been displaced by the flooding in Pakistan, and the infrastructure in the regions listed above has been badly disrupted, and in some areas no longer exists. There is a significant health risk to anyone travelling to Pakistan, and the FCO is advising against all travel to specific regions of Pakistan and against all but essential travel to other specific regions of Pakistan, including Lahore. Please check the FCO site for the latest update.
FLOODS & LANDSLIDES
CHINA 27 July
There is a significantly increased risk of food and waterborne diseases in all 27 provinces affected by the torrential rain, floods and landslides suffered during July and which are continuing [as of July 27th]. Some tributaries of the Yangtze are at record levels and a peak is expected on the morning of July 28th.
Whilst there are no travel restrictions in place, travellers are urged to ensure
they are completely up-
WHOOPING COUGH
CALIFORNIA 16 July
There has been a five-
LEPTOSPIROSIS
ARGENTINA 14 July
Over 300 cases of Leptospirosis have been reported so far this year in the provinces of Santa Fe, Entre Rios and Buenos Aires, including six in the city itself. The infection is spread through contact with infected animals or contact with soil or water containing their urine. It is an extremely unpleasant illness and its severe form, known in Britain as Weil’s Disease, is serious and often fatal.
RISK TO TRAVELLERS
The risk is assessed as low, but advice includes ensuring cuts
and grazes are cleaned and treated as a matter of urgency, and taking great care
if exposed to areas containing rubbish or an environment where rats have been seen.
There is no vaccine against this disease.
HAND, FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE (HFMD):
CHINA, JAPAN, SINGAPORE 14 June
This is a common
disease which affects young children (generally under 5) in temperate regions, and
outbreaks are associated primarily with schools and nurseries. It is usually mild,
and rarely leads to serious complications. It is however very unpleasant for the
child, with symptoms such as fever, a sore throat, general malaise and rashes on
the soles of the feet and the hands. Painful lesions in the throat are also common.
The
HFMD ‘season’ is the summer months, when especial attention to personal hygiene should
be observed for those with younger children. There is no vaccination available to
protect against HFMD.
TROPICAL STORM AGATHA: CENTRAL AMERICA 3rd June
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and
Nicaragua are all badly affected by flooding and landslides caused by record levels
of rain. A state of emergency has been declared by the governments of Guatemala,
El Salvador and Honduras, and travellers are advised accordingly. Healthcare provision
in these countries is under a great deal of strain, and the flooding has made travel
in some areas extremely difficult. Sanitation and the quality of drinking water are
also affected. Medicentre advise that you check with NaTHNAC and the FCO if you are
planning on travelling to this region.
SOUTH AFRICA: RIFT VALLEY FEVER 10 May
An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) was
reported in February of this year in animals in Free State Province. Since then,
some 172 human cases have been reported, with 15 deaths. NaTHNaC reports that some
German tourists had contracted the disease, though the cases have not been serious
and did not require hospitalisation.
RISK TO TRAVELLERS
The risk to travellers is assessed as low, however all travellers
to the region should take particular care with their insect bite avoidance measures
and use insect repellant.
AUSTRALIA: MOSQUITO-
The ‘wet’ season in the tropical north of Australia can bring an increased risk of
mosquito-
RISK TO TRAVELLERS
The risk to travellers is assessed as low, however all travellers to the region should take particular care with their insect bite avoidance measures.
BUENOS AIRES: SAINT LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS 30 March
The Argentinian Authorities have reported 40 cases of Saint Louis Encephalitis throughout the country, of which two have been confirmed in the capital. Further cases are under investigation in Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, Santa Fe, Chaco, Catamarca and Cordoba.
The Pan American Health Organisation recommends careful personal protection to
reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
DISEASE
Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLEV) is transmitted to people through mosquito
bites.
Symptoms range from general fever through to severe meningoencephalitis. Symptoms
include headache and nausea, fever, dizziness and general lethargy. If it progresses
to meningoencephalitis, it can be fatal, with heightened risk for the young and the
elderly.
RISK TO TRAVELLERS
The risk to travellers is assessed as low. There is no vaccination
against SLEV, so one should take particular care in the prevention of insect bites,
especially if outdoors for extend periods.
EGYPT: AVIAN INFLUENZA ('Bird Flu') 27 March
The Egyptian Ministry of Health has reported 16 cases of avian influenza (H5N1) in seven Governates throughout the country. Of these, four had proved fatal at the time of writing. All the people infected are known to have had direct contact with domestic poultry prior to presenting symptoms.
DISEASE
Avian Influenza is a serious disease which was first shown to have crossed
the 'species barrier' from birds to humans in 1997. So far, it has been restricted
to people who have close contact with domestic fowl, but there is a concern that
the virus could mutate and become pandemic. Humans have no resistance to the disease.
The symptoms are similar to those of 'normal' influenza, though more severe.
RISK TO TRAVELLERS
The risk to travellers is assessed as low. There is no risk from
eating properly prepared meat or eggs. There is no current vaccine against H5N1,
although there have recently been promising results from tests conducted in both
the UK and Hungary.
This is our roundup of the latest health news for travellers as of
July 5th 2011.
Please note that this is a general overview only, and should not be relied upon as
a definitive update. Travellers are urged to make specific checks concerning their
destination or itinerary.
We recommend the NaTHNaC Outbreak Surveillance Service
in this regard.
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The National Travel Health Network and Centre provides up-
Yes, there has been a major outbreak of the deadly disease in neighbouring Haiti.
But most tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic are quite distant from Haiti
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