According to the Hawaii State Department of Health, 4 locally acquired (2 laboratory-confirmed and 2 suspected) cases of dengue fever were reported in late February 2011 in the Pearl City area of Honolulu, Oahu. This is the first report of local cases in Hawaii since 2002. There is no indication of sustained dengue transmission at this time; however, travelers are advised to practice daytime insect precautions pending more information on the nature of this outbreak.
The first human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) have been reported in China. According to the Center for Disease Control in China there have now been 16 confirmed cases of the infection including 6 deaths. The infection has been reported from the provinces of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang. These cases were likely caused…
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.
Since August 26, 2014, Japan’s Ministry of Health has confirmed 80 locally acquired cases of dengue fever. These are the first locally acquired cases since 1945, cases have mainly been reported from visitors to Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Central Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden are currently closed. Dengue fever is spread through the bite of…
African Trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease that is spread via infected tsetse flies. The most recent case contracted the disease in a national park in eastern Zambia. There are a few ways to prevent African Trypanosomiasis infection. Wearing long sleeves and pants, avoid bright or dark coloured clothing, and avoid…
There were two bombs detonated in a shopping area in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh ( India) on February 21, 2013. The bombs resulted in casualties, injuries and property damage. Travellers are advised to avoid the affected area and watch local media to further monitor the situation. http://dawn.com/2013/02/22/indian-police-search-for-evidence-in-hyderabad-bomb-attack/
According to European heath authorities, on October 19th, 2012 the first case of rabies since 1987 was reported. The rabies was found in a red fox from the Western Macedonian Region in Northern Greece. Certain travellers are recommended to receive the rabies vaccination.