Shifting disease patterns and outbreaks affect the recommendations and information we provide to travellers during a pre-travel consultation. Each week Travelvax updates the current travel health alerts to reflect those issues which could affect travellers heading to a particular region or country. We do this by scanning the websites of health agencies such as the World Health Organization and the European and US Centers for Disease Control, as well as international news media. Simply click on the point on the map of your area of interest for more details on the current health alert. We also include Advice for Travellers which gives background information and tips. If you have any further questions, of course you can give our Travelvax infoline a call during business hours on 1300 360 164.
World travel health alerts for 27th of February 2024
WHO is warning of high measles risk continuing globally
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that unless immediate preventive measures are implemented, more than half of the world's nations will face a high or very high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of the year. Increase in measles cases is mainly due to missed vaccinations during COVID-19.
USA - US total rises to 35 cases in 14 states and NYC. Indiana first case in 5 years. Ohio and Washington report cases. Michigan - first case in 5 years, two cases in New Orleans, two in Louisiana and Florida's school measles cluster grows.
UK - 60 Additional Measles Cases in England Confirmed. UK total cases is 581 since October 2023.
Northern Ireland - First case in seven years.
Europe – cases reported in Romania, Austria, France. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles is a highly contagious virus and can cause serious illness in people of all ages. Most cases reported in Australia are linked to overseas travel - both developing and developed countries. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps 6 weeks before departure.
Swine flu - Influenza A (H1N1) case
Brazil has reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a confirmed human case of infection with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) from an unknown source. The case was in Toledo, with the patient having no history of exposure to pigs and no close contacts with the disease identified. Read more
Advice for travellers
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).
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains high
RSV health reports are trending down in general however positive cases are still remaining high in Egypt. Read more
Advice for travellers
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Preventive options are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV. Read more
Diptheria outbreak continues
Diptheria cases continue to rise with a total of 24,940 suspected cases and 787 deaths in 2023. Cases were reported from South Africa, Nigeria, Guinea, Niger and Mauritania, with Nigeria accounting for approx. 83% of the cases. Children under 5 have been the most affected. Read more
Advice for travellers
Diphtheria is caught by coming into contact with droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected person—particularly spread by coughing or sneezing. If the disease is cutaneous, it can be spread by coming into contact with the wounds or lesions of an infected person. Read more
Leprosy cases rise by 40%
The Malaysian health minister has reported 256 confirmed leprosy cases contracted in 2023, an increase of 40%.
Myanmar is also reporting an increase in leprosy cases as their health system falters. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. People with Hansen’s disease can continue to work and lead an active life during and after treatment.
Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective. However, if left untreated, the nerve damage can result in crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness. Read more
Cruise ship cholera health scare
Due to illness among a small number of Norwegian Cruise Line guests, they were prevented from disembarking at Port Louis with concerns of cholera – while Mauritian health authorities mandated testing as a precautionary measure. The passengers were found to not have cholera. There have been approximately 3,000 deaths from cholera across southern African countries over the past year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Gastroenteritis is common in developing countries: WHO estimates there are 1.8 million deaths among the 1.7 billion cases of diarrheal disease worldwide each year. Rotaviruses and E. coli are the most common cause, however agents can range from bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals that contaminate food or water. Diarrheal diseases are more serious in children: they are the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years old. Read more
More MERS cases reported
Saudi Arabia has reported four more MERS-CoV cases to the WHO, their symptoms began in late 2023, 2 cases have since died. The cases are from 3 different regions: Riyadh, Eastern, and Qassim. Read more
Advice for travellers
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a rare but severe respiratory illness that originated in Middle Eastern countries. It is spread through close contact with camels, camel products, or an infected person. Read more
Yellow Fever Vaccination campaign
Following the confirmed occurrence of yellow fever in South Sudan late December, the Ministry of Health, with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other collaborators, has launched a reactive vaccination campaign for yellow fever as a preventive response. Read more
Advice for travellers
Yellow fever virus is a mosquito-borne disease found in tropical and subtropical areas in Central/South America and Africa. While it can be severe, yellow fever infection is a very rare in Australian travellers. However, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), proof of vaccination may be required of any traveller entering or leaving an area at risk of yellow fever transmission. Read more about yellow fever.
First human case of western equine encephalitis (WEE) reported in 10 years
The Uraguay Health Regulator (IHR NFP) notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a human case of western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus infection has been confirmed, the first case in 10 years. The case is from a rural area in San Jose, southern Uruguay. WEE is transmitted by mosquitos. Read more
Advice for travellers
WEE is a rare mosquito-borne viral disease that affects equines and humans. Most human cases are associated with outbreaks in birds or horses. The virus has the potential to spread through the migration of infected birds or the movement of people and animals carrying the virus. Given that birds act as a reservoir, they can act as amplifying hosts for viral dissemination to other countries. At-risk groups include people who live, work, or participate in outdoor activities in endemic areas or where there are active disease outbreaks in animals. WEE virus vaccines are available for equines. It is advisable to seek high vaccination coverage among susceptible equines in areas considered at risk and to carry out annual vaccination boosters.