According to Cameroon’s Ministry of Health, more than 10,000 cases of cholera have been reported so far this year. Areas most affected are the Sud-Ouest, Littoral, Ouest, and Centre regions. An outbreak has been ongoing since May 2010. Cholera vaccine, available in many countries, but not in the U.S., is recommended for aid and refugee workers only. Extreme care in hygiene and food habits is essential, and oral rehydration salts are important in case of severe diarrhea.
The first cholera outbreak in Cuba was reported in July 2012 by Cuban health authorities. Since Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, press sources have reported hundreds of cases of cholera throughout the country. Cholera vaccine is available in many countries, excluding the US, but is not currently recommended for travelers. Travelers are advised to use…
Since October 2013, International Health authorities have confirmed over 300,000 suspected and confirmed cases of locally acquired chikungunya fever in the Carribean. Chikungunya is a mosquito borne illness transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most of the affected areas continue to report cases. The outbreak has not yet peaked in Haiti, Dominica…
According to Australia’s Northern Territory Department of Health, a record 54 cases of melioidosis have been reported in the northern part of the Northern Territory since October 2011. Melioidosis is caused by the soil-dwelling bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. B. pseudomallei enter the body via breaks in the skin or via inhalation of dust or droplets. Travelers…
The ongoing conflict along Somalia’s borders with Kenya and Ethiopia has intensified since late February 2011. Heavy fighting has been reported, and the risk of violent attacks and terrorism has increased. Travelers should avoid these areas and monitor the situation through local media.
The first report of dengue fever on the island of Madeira (off the coast of Portugal) has been reported from the Funchal and Camara de Lobos municipalities. There have been 2 laboratory-confirmed and locally aquired cases confirmed ( and 22 suspected cases). Public health authorities are implementing control mesures to reduce the risk of transmission locally. Travelers are advised…
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…