Author: nova

  • Ebola Virus Update

    The global total of Ebola Virus cases is now 15,145, which includes 5, 420 deaths.  Health care work related exposure continues to increase, most of these exposures have likely occurred outside of Ebola treatment and care centers. Incidence rates in Sierra Leone continues to increase with transmission concentrated in Freetown and Port Loko District.  In…

  • Antibiotic Awareness Week 2014

      Antibiotic Awareness week is November 17-23rd.   The goal is to remind health care workers and patients the importance if using antibiotics responsibly and as prescribed.  It also serves as a challenge and goal to Canadians as there are increasing risks posed by antibiotic resistance. For further information please visit the website coordinated by numerous…

  • Chikungunya reported in Mexico

    On November 7, 2014. The Pan American Health Organization has reported the first confirmed locally acquired cases of Chikungunya. Chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.  This mosquito is a daytime bitter.  Travellers advised to practice daytime insect precautions while travelling. Seek Medical advice if any traveler is returning  within 12 days…

  • Update on the Ebola Virus

    Since January 2014 the global total for Ebola cases is 13, 042 cases including 4, 818 deaths. The situation in Guinea appears to have stabilized. In Sierra Leone transmission still continues mostly in Freetown.  There are reports that the incidence in Liberia may be declining, the decline has not yet been confirmed. New entry requirements…

  • Chikungunya confirmed in Nicaragua

    The first 2 locally confirmed and acquired cases have been reported according to Nicaragua’s Ministry of Health.   To date there have been 26 imported cases reported. Chikungunya fever is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Travellers are advised to practice daytime insect precautions.  Travellers should seek travel health advice 4-6 weeks prior to departure…

  • Ebola outbreak West Africa

    Widespread transmission of the Ebola virus continues in Western Africa in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola virus is an acute viral infection causing hemorrhagic fever in humans.  Symptoms are severe and are often fatal.  The main transmission of Ebola is from direct human to human contact with infected blood, bodily fluids or tissues of…

  • Dengue Fever China

    Guangdong Province’s Department of Health has reported more than 13,400 cases of dengue fever so far this year primarily in the city of Guangzhou; the outbreak has yet to peak. Travellers are recommended to practice daytime insect precautions.  There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever.  Dengue fever mosquito’s are day time biters. Travellers are…

  • Update : Chikungunya outbreak across Caribbeans countries and the Americas

         Guatemala’s Ministry of Health has reported the first locally acquired cases of chikungunya fever in this country.  8 confirmed cases have been reported in the city of Escuintla. Since October 2013 more than 850, 000 suspected and confirmed cases of chikungunya have been reported across the Caribbean and in the Americas. 95% of the…