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 insect precautions.
Please see Protection Against Insect Bites for more information.
MacCallum PK, Ashby D, Hennessy EM, et al. Cumulative flying time and risk of venous thromboembolism. Br J Haematol 2011. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08899.x. Conclusion: Compared with not flying, cumulative flying times > 12 h within the previous 4 weeks and > 4 h in a single leg are associated with three-fold and two-fold increases, respectively, in the…
According to Djibouti’s Ministry of Health, more than 100 suspected cases of dengue fever, a significant increase over the average incidence, have been reported from the city of Djibouti since January 2012. Travellers should seek advise from a travel clinic prior to leaving for any country in Africa.
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks occurred near Christchurch on February 22, 2011. Casualties have been reported. Property and infrastructure damage is extensive, and aftershocks are likely to continue. Transportation, telecommunications, and basic services may be disrupted. Travelers should avoid affected areas and monitor the situation through local media.
It estimated that less than 2 out of 10 Americans aged 60 and older are getting vaccinated against shingles. Efforts for recommended innoculation are being increased in the US. Merck’s shingles vaccine Zostavax is recommended for all people aged 60 and older, and in 2011 was cleared for usage in all those 50 and older. Shingles becomes…
Since July 2015, press sources in Malaysia have reported more than 25 cases of rabies from dogs in the states of Perlis, Kedah and Pulau Pinang. Malaysia has not reported cases of dog rabies since 1999. Malaysia is a developing nation located in South East Asia. Certain Travellers are recommended for the…
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…