World travel health alerts December 13, 2023

Rapid surge in dengue fever

Taiwan is seeing a rapid surge in dengue fever infections, with other Asian countries also reporting increased infection rates. These include Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - driven by climate change and unusually rainy weather.

Advice for travellers

Dengue is spread by two types of Aedes mosquitoes. Both breed close to dwellings, are found in shady areas and bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid. Travellers should cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or PMD when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever.

Unusual rise in pneumonia respiratory infections

France’s Directorate General of Health issued an alert in November regarding "an unusual upsurge in cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (pneumonia) respiratory infections, including cases requiring hospitalisation, among adults and children in France." A similar recent surge was reported in China. Read more

Advice for travellers

MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE (PNEUMONIA)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria commonly cause mild infections of the respiratory system (the parts of the body involved in breathing). Sometimes these bacteria can cause more serious lung infections that require care in a hospital. Like many respiratory germs, Mycoplasma pneumoniae most commonly spread from coughing and sneezing.  Good hygiene is important to help decrease the spread of M. pneumoniae and other respiratory germs.

Small but deadly outbreak of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is warning travelers heading to Mexico's Baja California of the tick borne disease called Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). At least five people have contracted the disease, causing three deaths, after travel to Tecate in Baja Mexico. Read more

Advice for travellers

Although its incidence has increased in the past decade, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a low risk for most travellers visiting North America, where 60% of cases occur in 5 US states – North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri. However, it is advisable to take preventive measures to avoid tick bites when outdoors, particularly in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active. RMSF can be a severe or even fatal illness if not treated in the first few days of symptoms. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain – with or without a rash. The antibiotic, doxycycline is the first line treatment for adults and children of all ages, and is most effective if started before the fifth day of symptoms. Read more about RMSF.

First human case of influenza A (H1N2) - 'swine flu' reported

The WHO was notified in November of the first ever case of human swine-origin flu in the UK. Human infections with swine-origin influenza viruses have been sporadically detected in the past in countries in the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. Read more

Advice for travellers

INFLUENZA A (H1N1)-  Swine flu

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but rare human infections have occurred. (For more information about swine influenza infections in humans, see Variant Influenza Viruses in Humans). 

Anthrax outbreak - suspected source in animal meats

As advised by the World Health Organization (WHO), Zambia has reported its largest anthrax outbreak in over ten years. 684 suspected cases and four deaths have been recorded as of late November with cases in 9 of the 10 provinces. It is believed the original source was hippopotamus meat. Read more

Advice for travellers

The anthrax bacterium is transmitted to people in the form of spores which are can produce disease through consuming contaminated meat, through inhalation or via contact with the wool, hair or hide of infected animals. The majority of cases have occurred in people involved in the livestock industry, so infection is a low risk to travellers. Read more about anthrax.