According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health, approximately 3,500 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a significant increase over average incidence, have been reported throughout the country since January 2012.
Enterovirus 71 is the most common cause of HFMD in Singapore and periodic epidemics occur. Travelers should exercise particular care in hygiene habits, including frequent handwashing.
The Public Health Agency of Canada released a public health notice on measles on March 26th, 2013. Two Canadians, one from Ontario and one from New Brunswick, travelled outside of Canada to Mexico and became infected with measles; they were not previously vaccinated. It is likely that the individuals contracted the illness from another traveler in the…
There are currently 1,280 cases of Chikungunya occurring weekly in Ecuador. Cases of Chikungunya fever are primarily being reported in Esmeraldas, Manabí and Guaya provinces. Chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers returning with a fever from Ecuador should seek medical attention and inform their provider of their recent travel. For…
According to Western Australia’s Department of Health, more than 900 cases of Ross River fever, a significant increase over average incidence, have been reported throughout the state since December 2011. After an acute febrile illness, joint pain may persist for a year or more in up to 50% of cases. Travelers are advised to practice…
According to Mexico’s Ministry of Health, more than 2,400 confirmed cases of dengue fever, a significant increase over the average incidence, have been reported primarily in Merida, Yucatan, the majority since September 2011. Travelers are advised to practice daytime insect precautions.
There has been an additonal confirmed case of the novel coronavirus found in Saudi Arabia. There have now been a total of 14 confirmed cases and 8 deaths. The first case identified in the United Kingdom in a resident who had recently travelled to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia; two other family members have now been confirmed to have acquired…
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Heath, the average incidence of dengue fever cases over the year have increased. There have been more than 1900 cases of dengue reported in Singapore so far this year. Travellers are advised to practise daytime insect precautions. For further information please see our page on Dengue Fever