Thirty states were reporting widespread flu activity in the most recent reporting week (ending Jan 5). Read more. CDC modelling suggests the number of hospitalisations for flu is lower than for previous years - between 69,000 and 84,000. An ECDC infographic shows low levels of flu activity for most of Europe in the first week of January, with the exception of the UK and Portugal (medium). Type A influenza viruses predominate according to the Communicable Disease Threats Report, week 2.
LAST month Ohio declared a hepatitis A outbreak and is currently reporting over 50 new cases per week. Over the past 12 months, over 1,400 cases have been identified - 60 percent were male. Read more. The adjacent states of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and West Virginia are also implicated in the multi-state outbreak which has been monitored by the CDC since March 2017 when infections first appeared among homeless people and users of illicit drugs. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hepatitis A (HAV) is a vaccine-preventable viral disease passed on to humans primarily through oral contact with faeces of an infected person. This can occur through contaminated food and water, by handling everyday items and sexual contact. It is a significant risk in travellers to developing countries where sanitation and hygiene are lacking. A course of hepatitis A vaccine offers immunity that is highly effective and offers long term protection.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.