More than 200 confirmed cases of measles and a further 92 probable cases, a significant increase over the average incidence, have been reported from Liverpool and neighbouring areas in Merseyside so far this year, according to the United Kingdom’s Health Protection Agency.  Incidence of measles in Europe as been elevated since 2009.  Vaccinations are recommended for travellers born in 1957 or later (1970 or later in Canada) without history of disease or of two adequate doses of live vaccine in their life.

Public Health Agency of Canada: Travel Health Notice : release April 25, 2012

 Source: PHAC / 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, England

The 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are being hosted in London, England from July 27 to August 12 and August 29 to September 9 respectively.  More than a million people from around the world, including Canadians, will travel to the United Kingdom to participate in, work at, or watch the different games and events.  The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends routine travel advice to help ensure a healthy trip for travellers attending the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Large crowds are expected, which can increase the risk of accidental injury as well as infectious diseases such as gastrointestinal illness and colds. Travellers should be aware of ongoing measles outbreaks in many countries in Europe. Travellers should also be aware of other infectious diseases such as HIV.

 Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

1. Review travel health recommendations for the United Kingdom with your health care provider
2. Get vaccinated
3. Practise safe food and water precautions
4. Practise insect bite prevention
5. Protect yourself from animal-related diseases
6. Protect yourself from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
7. Be alert to crime
8. Pay attention to the weather
9. Drive with caution
10. Purchase travel health insurance

Health officials are investigating what could be a new cholera outbreak in the northern Dominican Republic, where one woman died and more than 200 people have sought medical attention, Health Minister Bautista Rojas said lastThursday.

He cautioned that only six of the more than 200 cases have been confirmed as cholera, including that of a 64-year-old woman who died on Wednesday. The remaining patients exhibit cholera symptoms but are awaiting confirmation through lab tests, he said.

The outbreak occurred in the northern town of Tamboril, where heavy rains damaged water and sewer pipes earlier this month.

Bautista said the outbreak is under control, and government officials said they are disinfecting potable water with the maximum amount of chlorine allowed.

The first cholera outbreak in the Dominican Republic occurred in late 2010 with more than 22,500 cases and 163 deaths reported. The number of cases had been dwindling since August 2011.

The neighboring country of Haiti, where the outbreak originated, is still struggling with cholera, which has killed more than 7,000 people and sickened 530,000 more, according to Haitian health officials.

April 25, 2012 marks this year’s World Malaria Day. The Public Health
Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that there is risk of malaria transmission in many tropical countries around the world.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a
parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no
vaccine available against malaria.

All travellers are at risk if going to a destination where malaria occurs.

Travellers can reduce their risk by following four principles of malaria
prevention, called the “ABCD” of malaria:

   be Aware of malaria risks and symptoms
   know how to prevent mosquito Bites
   take anti-malarial drugs or “Chemoprophylaxis”, if appropriate
   seek medical help early for Diagnosis, if malaria-like symptoms
  develop

CBC news / Rabies diagnosed in Toronto man

CBC news health / Rabies diagnosed in Toronto man: April 17, 2012

A Toronto man is being treated for the first case of rabies in a human in the city in more than 80 years, CBC News has learned.

The 41-year-old man had been working as a bartender in the Dominican Republic for four months.

He had already reported symptoms at the end of last month in the Dominican Republic where he was seen three times at a resort clinic.His condition worsened to the point that he was having trouble swallowing and was afraid of food, water and even the air.

He returned to Toronto a week ago by airplane. He was taken to hospital by police after behaving erratically at the airport.

His symptoms worsened by April 11, and on April 12, samples were sent for testing. It was then determined he had rabies, a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system.

Dr. Donald Low, the medical director of the public health laboratories at the arms-length government agency Public Health Ontario, said rabies in humans is rare.

The infected Toronto man is being treated in the neurological intensive care unit at Toronto Western Hospital.

Humans can be vaccinated against rabies before exposure to the virus. They are also vaccinated after contact, although immunization is recommended as soon as possible after exposure.

Source: CBC news / Rabies diagnosed in Toronto man

For more information please click our link Rabies.

Starting April 30, 2012, Canadians will be required to present a passport to visit the Dominican Republic, which will need to be valid for the length of their stay.

Until then, Canadians entering the Dominican Republic by direct air travel are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver’s licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate).

Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.

However, Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes must purchase a tourist card, at a cost of $10 US, which is valid for 30 days. Those wishing to stay for a longer period must pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure or request an extension by visiting the Department of Immigration in Santo Domingo.

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, more than 21,000 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a significant increase over the average incidence, have been reported throughout the country since January 2012. The most affected provinces include the northern provinces of Hai Phong, Lao Cai, Vinh Phuc, Hoa Binh; the central provinces of Da Nang, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa; and the southern provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Hau Giang. Enterovirus 71 is the most common cause of HFMD in Vietnam and periodic epidemics occur. Travelers are reminded to exercise particular care in hygiene habits, including frequent handwashing.

According to international health authorities, approximately 70 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the southern district of Kong Pisei (Kampong Spoe Province) so far this year. These are the first reported chikungunya cases in Cambodia since the 1960s. Chikungunya is an arboviral infection, transmitted by mosquitoes. Travelers are advised to practice daytime and nighttime insect precautions.
For further information regarding insect precautions, please see our link Protection Against Insect Bites.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the southern state of Guerrero on March 20, 2012, and was felt in Mexico City. Damage to buildings has been reported near the epicenter, but minimal damage was reported elsewhere. Travelers should avoid affected areas and monitor the situation through local media.

The Nova Travel Clinic is pleased to announce that the Zostavax shingles vaccine is currently available in our office for people 50 years old and over.  For further information on Zostavax, please click our Shingles link or contact our office at 250-370-2366.