Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and Zika Virus transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes have increased throughout the tropical and sub-tropical Americas. The illnesses are not currently vaccine preventable and can all cause similar symptoms including fever, body aches and pains and more severe symptoms which can include organ dysfunction. Travellers are advised to continue to practice strict daytime and…
Since September 2015, Hawaii’s Department of Health has confirmed 72 cases of locally acquired dengue fever across the Big Island. These are the first locally acquired cases of dengue fever since 2011. 10 of the 72 cases were visitors to Hawaii. There may be additional cases of dengue fever in Hawaii who have not sought medical…
The Pan American Health Organization has reported over 20 laboratory confirmed cases of cholera in Cuba since August 2015. Confirmed cases have been reported in Holguin Province; unofficial reports of cholera cases have also been in Las Tunas and Santiago de Cuba provinces. What is Cholera? Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by an infection of the…
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…
Vaccines to prevent and treat Ebola virus diseases are an urgent international priority. A vaccine against Ebola virus is currently under trials in Guinea, West Africa. The first results are promising and show effectiveness in preventing Ebola virus diseases in laboratory diagnoses cases. The vaccine produces a rapid immune response against the Ebola Virus in…
Since late June 2015, there have been 14 confirmed cases of malaria in travelers returning from resorts in Punta Cana. What is Malaria? Malaria is a serious disease spread to humans from infected mosquitoes. Malaria often begins with fever and flu like symptoms. If left untreated serious forms of malaria can cause kidney failure, seizures…
A typhoid fever epidemic is currently occurring throughout Zambia. Risks are higher in impoverished areas outside the capital city of Lusaka. Cases of typhoid fever in the local population are usually under-reported. Typhoid fever is a serious and potentially fatal infection caused by the bacteria salmonella typhi. It is spread person to person through contaminated food and water. …
Since January 2015, Ecuador’s Ministry of Health has reported 20, 800 cases of dengue fever. More than 2,370 weekly cases of dengue fever are being reported. Cases are primarily occurring in Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, Los Rios and El Oro Provinces. What is Dengue Fever? Dengue fever is a viral infection spread through the bite of…
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…
Since January 2015, the Taiwan CDC has reported more than 105 locally acquired cases of dengue fever; they are currently reporting more than 2 cases per week. Most of the dengue fever cases have been reported in Kaohsiung Municipality and County. Dengue Fever is one of the most common mosquito borne viral diseases of humans. There…