Review the following health and outbreak updates before traveling to ensure a healthy and safe trip.
Keeping up-to-date with routine vaccinations and visiting your doctor at least six weeks
prior to your trip are highly recommended for safe travel. For information about recent disease
outbreaks around the world, see these outbreak updates below.
H1N1 Flu - March 19, 2010
Countries Affected: All
The Center for Disease and Control reports that for the week of March 7-13, 2010, flu activity in the
United States was relatively low, with most flu continuing to be caused by 2009 H1N1. It is expected
that flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, will rise and fall. It's possible
that the United States could experience another wave of flu activity caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal
influenza in the coming months.
Recommendations
The majority of the influenza viruses identified are the 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain
similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to anti-viral drugs that have been
prescribed for H1N1 symptoms, oseltamivir and zanamivir. Some influenza B viruses are circulating at low
levels, and these viruses remain similar to the influenza B virus component of the 2009-10 seasonal flu vaccine.
To help you and your family stay healthy and avoid illness from Influenza A (H1N1), On Call International
recommends following the tips provided in the links below. For the most current information, please visit
the World Health Organization or
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC recommends that post secondary institutions of higher education review their institutions' plans for
responding to a public health emergency and make sure they are up to date. The school can help protect the
health of their staff and their students by calling attention to the every day preventive actions that can
be taken to prevent the spread of influenza. Please visit the CDC for more tips.
Additional Resources
Preparations for your trip before you leave
- Be sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccine if available.
- Check if you health insurance plan will cover you abroad. Consider puchasing additional medical assistance coverage that covers medical evacuation in case you become sick.
- Pack a first aid kit
- Complete a personal medical information form
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control Prevention to find out about vaccination requirements and/or recommendations for your destination.
- Research recent outbreaks of illnesses, infections, and diseases around the world to ensure you make the right pre-travel decision.
Rabies - March 16, 2010
Countries Affected: Bali, Indonesia
Since October 2009, Indonesia has reported 15 deaths as a result of rabies on the island of Bali. Rabies is
a threat to both human and animal health. It is almost always spread by an animal bite but can also be
spread when a rabid animal's saliva gets directly into the eyes, nose, nouth or broken skin. The primary
sources of human infection worldwide are dogs and certain wildlife species, such as foxes, raccoons,
mongooses, and bats. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers to take precaution
while traveling thorugh the entire island of Bali.
Recommendations
Avoid touching all animals (wild or pets) as some pets in other countries do not have needed vaccinations.
If you are traveling with your pet be sure to monitor it closely and try to stay with it at all times. Also,
be sure to not rescue any animal with the intent to bring it back with you to your home destination.
If you are bit or scratched by an animal be sure to report the attack immediately and wash and cleanse the
wound with soap and water. See a doctor right away even if you do not feel sick or have any signs of out of
the ordinary symptoms.
Dengue Virus/DHF - March 4, 2010
Countries Affected: Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cape Verde, Brazil, Columbia, Guatemala
In 2009, cape verde, Africa saw more than 21,000 suspected cases and 6 deaths reported (as of
December 6, 2009). In the first 6 weeks of 2010, more than 6,200 cases and 23 deaths were reported
throughout the country, especially in Selangor and Sarawak. Dengue activity is ongoing in Indonesia.
From January - October 2009, more than 100 deaths were attributed to dengue hemorrhagic fever. In
December 2009, the Ministry of Health issued an alert about heightened dengue hemorrhagic fever
transmission during this rainy season. As of February 23, 2010, Sri lanka has 7,500 cases that have
been reported throughout the country, including the Colombo capital district.
Recommendations
Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This particular mosquito is apt to feed at any
time, but more commonly during the morning and afternoon hours. Common environments where these mosquitos
can be found feeding include indoors, shady areas, or when it is overcast. Dengue carrying mosquitos
are most often found in or near human dwellings in urban areas.
It is recommended for all travelers in areas with high dengue activity to follow the following protective procedures:
- Apply a deet-based insect repellent to exposed skin
- When possible, remain in well screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas during peak biting times
- Wear light colored clothing with full length pant legs and sleeves
Yellow Fever - March 2, 2010
Countries Affected: Brazil
Throughout 2009, Brazil reported 28 confirmed cases of yellow fever, including 11 deaths. In response,
the Brazilian Ministry of Health has added a number of munincipalities to the yellow fever risk area for Sao Paolo.
Recommendations
Currently, Brazilian officials recommend yellow fever vaccination for travelers to the following states:
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Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Distrito Federal, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Ronadonia, Roraima, and Tocantins
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Bahia, Parana, Piaui, Rio Grande do Sul, Sanata Catarina, and Sao Paulo
Vaccination is NOT recommended for travel to the following coastal cities: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza.
Chikungunya Fever - October 28, 2009
Countries Affected: Thailand, Malaysia, Reunion
Chikungunya Fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread to people through the bite of infected
mosquitos. Symptoms include sudden fever, joint pain with or without swelling, chills, headache, nausea,
vomiting, lower back pain, and a rash. Chikungunya mainly appears in sreas of Africa and Asia. The
following areas have recently reported cases of the virus:
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Thailand
As of September 2009, a large number of cases have been reported throughout the country and more
particularly in the southern region of the country. Over 42,300 cases have been reported across 50 provinces.
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Malaysia
3,185 Cases of the chikungunya fever have been reported across Malaysia since September 2009. The most
affected areas are the southern provinces of Kedah, Kelentan, Selangor, Perak, and Sarawak.
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Reunion
As of August 28, 2009, the French government has reported 3 confirmed cases of the virus on the island of
Reunion. All cases reported have occured in the Saint-Gilles-Les-bains area and no deaths have been recorded
as a result of the disease. The virus is circulating through the region due to high mosquito activity.