According to WHO, one confirmed case of poliovirus type 1 has been reported in Gabon since January 2011. The last reported case of polio in Gabon was in 1996. One clinical case often represents hundreds of asymptomatic infections in the population. Shoreland recommends 1 adult booster of polio vaccine for travelers to Gabon (in addition…
Polio has been eliminated from most countries; however it continues to occur in some areas of the world. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers get vaccinated against poliomyelitis (polio) when going to countries where there is a risk of infection, or countries located near those that are endemic or have cases of…
Heavy rain has caused severe flooding in Bolivia, especially in Rurrenabaque. Casualties have been reported. Travelers should expect transportation disruptions, avoid affected areas, and monitor the situation through local media.
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, a significant increase over the average incidence of dengue fever cases has been reported so far this year in the states of Parana (9,562 cases), Amazonas (10,387 cases), Rio de Janeiro (3,582 cases), and Rio Grande do Norte (1,270 cases). Travelers are advised to practice daytime insect precautions.
According to international health authorities, 2 confirmed cases of pneumonic plague have been reported from remote villages near Ambilobe and Ambanja in typically non-endemic Antsiranana Province since January 2011. Pneumonic plague is transmitted through inhalation of infective respiratory droplets. Risk to travelers is minimal. Full details of any further possible spread beyond these patients is…
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.
Demonstrations are occurring throughout Iraq. The International Zone in Baghdad may be the focus of the demonstrations. Travelers should avoid large crowds and demonstrations and monitor the situation through local media.
Renewed clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops have been reported in February 2011 near the Preah Vihear temple, a disputed border area. Casualties have been reported. Violent clashes could occur at any time. Travelers should avoid this area.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to border areas in the Thai provinces of Tak and Mae Hong Son due to ongoing armed conflict on the Burmese side of the border. Incursions and shelling into Thailand have occurred. In November 2010, fighting within Burma between ethnic groups and military forces involved gun and mortar fire and led to injuries…
ABSTRACT: Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonotic illness globally. It has been classified by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as emerging or re-emerging. Leptospirosis is most frequently recognized in the developing world. It was removed from the U.S. list of nationally reportable infectious diseases in 1995,…