Latest health alerts for international travelers


INFLUENZA in WORLDWIDE
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Flu activity is increasing in some temperate Northern Hemisphere countries, though overall activity is still low. Health Officials reported on January 26th that one person has died and 2 are in a critical condition after 39 people were infected by a flu outbreak in a Saitama hospital in Japan. Canada, parts of Europe, northern Africa, China, and Iran are among the areas seeing notable local increases. From the tropical region, Southern China and Costa Rica are currently influenza hot spots. Southern Hemisphere countries are reporting inter-seasonal flu levels, with Chile, Paraguay, and Australia reporting persistent low-level influenza circulation. Since the start of Mexico's winter season at least 29 people have died and nearly 1500 others have been infected with H1N1 (Swine Flu). Travelers should receive an Influenza vaccine.
MENINGITIS in AUSTRALIA, BENIN, BRAZIL, BURKINA FASO, CAMEROON, CHAD, COTE D'IVOIRE, GHANA, MALI, NEW ZEALAND, NIGER, NIGERIA, TOGO, VIETNAM
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- A meningitis epidemic continues to spread across sub Saharan Africa’s meningitis belt with over 400 deaths reported since the beginning of 2011. Benin has reported 60 cases and 16 deaths so far this year. In northern Queensland, Australia 6 cases and 1 death has been confirmed this year. A meningitis epidemic has killed 109 people in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia since the start of 2011; a total of 1,670 bacterial meningitis cases, the most serious form of the disease, were reported during 2011. Burkina Faso has reported 876 cases and 163 deaths this year. Cameroon has reported 68 cases and 16 deaths so far. Chad has reported 923 cases and 57 deaths so far this year. Cote d’Ivoire has reported 3 cases and 2 deaths this year. In Ghana 188 cases and 25 deaths have been reported since the beginning of 2011. Mali has reported 65 cases and 6 deaths. In Northland, New Zealand 2 deaths were reported in the past month. Niger has reported 225 cases and 23 deaths. In Nigeria 30 cases have been reported so far this year. Congo has reported 937 cases and 91 deaths so far. Chad has reported 683 cases and 44 deaths. Togo has reported 144 cases and 23 deaths so far this year. In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam an outbreak has been reported with a total of 5 cases so far. Vaccination prior to travel is recommended for travelers to these areas.
TYPHOID FEVER in FIJI, INDIA, INDONESIA, PAKISTAN, PHILIPPINES, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Typhoid affects 21.5 million people each year. In Western Fiji 42 cases have been recorded already this year after over 900 residents were screened. During the last few months of 2011 Austria, Denmark and Germany all reported cases of Typhoid. In Mumbai India over 100 cases were reported in October 2011; about 70% of these cases had to be hospitalized. In Indonesia cases have been on the rise; the First Lady of Indonesia is currently hospitalized for treatment. Pakistan currently experiences an average of 1000 cases per year. In and around Leyte province Philippines notable rises in cases are being reported. Initial investigations have shown that the towns' water sources are contaminated. Zambia's Mupambe township 2,094 cases and 2 deaths have been reported since the outbreak started in December 2011. Zimbabwe is in the midst of an outbreak, with more than 1500 cases reported since October; on average about 50 cases are being reported daily. Travelers are encouraged to get the Typhoid vaccine prior to traveling to these and other endemic regions and to exercise food and water precautions.
MEASLES in AUSTRALIA, ANGOLA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO, ECUADOR, ENGLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, INDIA, IRELAND, NEW ZEALAND, RUSSIA, SPAIN, SWITZERLAND, UGANDA, UKRAINE, USA
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- About 20 million people are diagnosed with measles annually. The increased trend in Measles cases has a few contributing factors, including increased number of infections in Americans returning from travel abroad. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged Americans traveling overseas to make sure they are vaccinated against measles—especially if traveling with children. In children complications may lead to bronchitis and pneumonia and in more severe cases, the disease can cause central nervous system damage. In Zaire province, Angola nearly 380 cases were hospitalized in 2011; 8 deaths were also reported from the province last year. At least 130 cases were reported in Australia during 2011; A dozen cases have already been reported this year from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Democratic Republic of the Congo reported over 103,000 cases and over 1100 deaths during 2011 and the outbreak continues into the New Year. In Ecuador a total of 203 cases have been reported from Tungurahua, Pichincha, Guayas, Pastaza and Chimborazo Cotopaxi. In Europe 30,000 cases were reported in 2011, including 8 deaths. At least half of these cases came from France. Spain, Germany, Ukraine and Switzerland experienced major outbreaks too, each recording thousands of cases. Ireland reported more than 400 cases last year with about a fourth of the cases requiring hospitalization. Arunachal Pradesh, located in the far northeast corner of India, has reported a measles outbreak of at least 30 cases since the beginning of 2012 in the remote villages of East Kameng district. In New Zealand at least 430 cases were reported during 2011; a significant majority of these cases came from Auckland. Cases were also reported from Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Otago, Palmerston North, Waiheke Island, Waikato and Wellington. In Russia more than 220 cases were reported from 24 Russian regions last year. So far this year Volgograd and Republic of Chechnya have registered cases. Outbreaks in eastern, central and western Uganda resulted in at least 100 hospitalizations in the last few months of 2011. 2011 was the worst year for measles cases in the United States since 1996; by the end of October 220 cases were reported. Most of these cases were people who traveled overseas to Western Europe, Africa or Asia and were unvaccinated. So far this year cases reported in the U.S have come from Delaware, Kansas and Michigan. This shows how important it is to receive vaccination against measles whether you are traveling or not. Measles is an acute, highly communicable disease, transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread. Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, and sore eyes followed about 2 days later by a red blotchy rash. It is recommended that you receive an adult booster if you haven't had measles and you have only had your childhood immunizations, especially when traveling internationally. Young children can complete their MMR vaccination schedule early if they are traveling abroad.
AVIAN INFLUENZA in AZERBAIJAN, BANGLADESH, CAMBODIA, CHINA, DJIBOUTI, EGYPT, INDONESIA, IRAQ, LAOS, MYANMAR, NIGERIA, PAKISTAN, THAILAND, TURKEY, VIETNAM
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Overall since 2003 more than 580 cases and 345 fatalities have been reported globally. In Azerbaijan 8 cases and 5 deaths have been confirmed to date. In Cambodia 19 cases and 17 deaths have been confirmed to date. Of the 41 cases confirmed to date in China, 27 have been fatal. In Egypt 159 cases and 55 deaths have been confirmed to date. In Indonesia 152 deaths out of 184 cases have been confirmed to date. Of the 3 cases confirmed to date in Iraq, 2 have been fatal. In Laos 2 cases, both resulting in deaths have been confirmed. In Nigeria 1 case resulting in death has been confirmed to date. Pakistan confirms 3 cases and 1 death to date. In Thailand 25 cases resulting in 17 fatalities have been confirmed to date. Of the 12 cases confirmed in Turkey to date, 4 have been fatal. In Vietnam 121 cases and 61 deaths have been confirmed to date. Countries that have reported cases but no fatalities since 2003 include, Bangladesh (3 cases), Djibouti (1 case) and Myanmar (1 case). Avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. However, there have been instances of certain highly pathogenic strains causing severe respiratory disease in humans. In most cases, the people infected had been in close contact with infected poultry or with objects contaminated by their feces.
CHIKUNGUNYA in BENIN, INDIA, INDONESIA, MAURITIUS
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Chikungunya is known to occur during the rainy season in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, southern India, and Pakistan. A number of travelers that returned from Benin and Indonesia last year (2011) were diagnosed with Chikungunya. Within the past 3 months in Indonesia, there have been cases of chikungunya virus infection in West Sumatra and Central Java. Now there are cases in West Java; 200 were reported in December. Chikungunya is endemic in India; therefore sporadic outbreaks occur throughout the country frequently. The last reported cases in India occurred in Kerala during December; a total of 14 cases were reported during that time. Mauritius has reported its 1st chikungunya case in 2012; the last reported case on the island was January last year (2011). Chikungunya fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms can include sudden fever, joint pain with or without swelling, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, and a rash. In case of these symptoms people are strongly advised to see their doctor. Travelers should use mosquito nets when sleeping and apply mosquito repellents.
YELLOW FEVER in COTE D'IVOIRE, GHANA, PERU, SIERRA LEONE, TANZANIA, UGANDA
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Ghana and Peru are currently experiencing outbreaks. Ghana has reported at least 3 cases in the Upper West Region and at least 1 death in the Northern Region so far this month. Peru has reported 1 death in the Llochegua district this month. Outbreaks were reported earlier this year from Northern Uganda (over 200 cases and 53 deaths), Cote d'Ivoire (35 deaths in about 5 months) and Sierra Leone (2 cases in Southern Province). The Ministry of Health in Tanzania and Zanzibar is taking precautionary measures, due to recent outbreaks, and has requested everyone to show a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate at all ports of Entry. Case numbers for Yellow Fever are thought to be greatly under-reported; the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are approximately 200,000 cases of yellow fever per year, with 30,000 deaths. In Africa, alone, WHO estimates 508 million people in 32 countries are at risk. Yellow Fever is a mosquito born disease found in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Amazon region of South America. Early signs of yellow fever are muscle pain and backache, headache, fever, shivering, loss of appetite and vomiting. In the later stages, patients can develop yellow eyes, abdominal pain, bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes and stomach. This disease can be prevented with vaccination.
MALARIA in ANGOLA, INDIA, GREECE, PAKISTAN, UAE
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Each year, more than 250 million cases of malaria are reported worldwide, killing between one and 3 million people. About 90% of malaria-related deaths take place in Sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is endemic in Angola. At least 2.9 million cases were registered in 2011. In India, malaria is endemic in Rajasthan and parts of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, and Jharkhand; in Rajasthan alone, 53,000 cases were reported during the first 11 months of 2011. Due to the 20 cases reported in Greek citizens without reported travel history between May and September 2011 the CDC now recommends a malaria prophylaxis when traveling to the Lakonia region of Greece. The last outbreak reported in Pakistan’s Sindh province was toward the end of 2011, with about 12,000 cases reported. More than 2000 cases were reported in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) last year, more than double the number in 2010; they all came from outside the UAE, maintaining the country's malaria-free status, which it has held since 2007. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. When traveling to these areas it is recommended to use mosquito repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on outer clothing, mosquito netting and bedding. Travelers should also speak with a Travel Health specialist to find out if a prophylactic anti-malarial medication is needed.
PERTUSSIS in AUSTRALIA, CHILE, NEW ZEALAND, SPAIN, USA
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- An average of 3,000 infant pertussis cases, with more than 19 deaths are reported annually. The disease is contagious and known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal. In 2011, about 3,600 cases were reported in Western Australia, that’s more than double the total number of cases reported the year before (2010). In the Bio-Bio region of Chile more than 2,000 cases, including 1 death, were reported in 2011. The latest outbreaks reported from New Zealand were in Nelson and Marlborough; Marlborough reported 27 cases in October and Nelson reported 40 cases in September. Similar outbreaks were also reported from Hawke's Bay and the west coast of NZ towards the end of 2011. Spain reported about 1,700 cases in 2011. In 2010 more than 9,000 cases including 10 infant deaths were reported throughout California. Children should be vaccinated against the disease and parents, family members and caregivers of infants need a booster shot.
TUBERCULOSIS in INDIA, NORTH KOREA
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Doctors in Mumbai, India have identified 14 patients infected with Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. Two of these cases have already resulted in death; the remaining 12 are being quarantined while receiving treatment. In November last year an outbreak of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) was reported. Rates of drug resistant TB in North Korea are unknown because of the absence of laboratories capable of drug susceptibility testing in this country; however, drug resistance is believed by WHO to be substantial. North Korea already has one of the highest rates of tuberculosis outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease, which most commonly affects the lungs. It is transmitted from person to person via droplets from the throat and lungs of people with the active respiratory disease. In healthy people, infection with TB often causes no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms of active TB of the lung are coughing, sometimes with sputum or blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. Tuberculosis is usually treatable with a six-month course of antibiotics.
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS in AUSTRALIA, BANGLADESH, CAMBODIA, CHINA, INDIA, INDONESIA, KOREA, LAOS, MALAYSIA, MYANMAR, NEPAL, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA, TAIWAN, THAILAND, VIETNAM
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Japanese Encephalitis is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia with 30-50,000 cases reported annually. India has reported over 5000 cases and more than 700 deaths since the beginning of this year; in Delhi 12 cases have been reported since the end of September. In Hong Kong, China the first case in 4 years has been reported. In Indonesia one case has been confirmed in a German Traveler returning from Bali. In Nepal 3 deaths have been reported in the Kanchanpur district (far-western region) since the beginning of August. In Taiwan 14 cases were reported in 2010. In Vietnam 120 cases were reported in 2010. In 2010, 2 cases were reported in U.S. travelers returning from the Philippines (this case was fatal) and Thailand. According the CDC, countries which have had major epidemics in the past, but which have controlled the disease primarily by vaccination, include China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. Travelers are encouraged to consider JE vaccination prior to travel and to use mosquito repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on outer clothing.
WEST NILE VIRUS in ALBANIA, GREECE, ISRAEL, ITALY, ROMANIA, RUSSIA, USA
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Maryland (USA) reported 1 case towards the end of 2011 from the Baltimore area; West Nile virus is endemic in Maryland, and health officials typically see cases every year. During the last half of 2011, Albania (2 cases), Greece (31 cases), Israel (6 cases), Italy (7 cases) and Romania (1 case) all reported cases. In Volgograd Russia 61 cases were reported in 2011. People over 50 and those with a weakened immune system are more likely to be seriously affected by West Nile virus. A new study shows that people who have been infected with West Nile virus may have persistent virus in their kidneys for years after initial infection, potentially leading to kidney problems.
RUBELLA in FIJI, NEW ZEALAND
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Fiji has confirmed 28 cases of rubella, most of which have been reported in Suva. New Zealand has reported 3 cases in the last few weeks, 7 cases in Auckland and 1 case in Northland. It is interesting to note that New Zealand has only reported 30 confirmed cases in the last 11 years. Rubella, also known as German measles, is highly contagious. The symptoms of rubella include a mild fever, rash, runny nose, sore throat and often swollen lymph nodes with aching joints. Rubella infection in pregnant women can cause serious birth defects or miscarriage. It is recommended that you receive an adult booster if you haven't had rubella and have only had your childhood immunizations.
CHOLERA in CAMEROON, CHAD, CONGO DR, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HAITI, INDIA, PHILIPPINES, SOMALIA,
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- An estimated 3-5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world. Cholera is common in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Nearly 7000 people have died from cholera in Haiti in an epidemic that has become one of the worst of recent decades; more than 520,000 cholera cases have been reported to date. According the Haitian government an average of 200 new sufferers are appearing each day. In Dominican Republic to date, 21,000 cases and more than 360 deaths have been reported. The risk of cholera for travelers to the Dominican Republic is likely very low if precautions are taken. Travelers should consume only safe food and water. In West and Central Africa cholera epidemics have hit 85,000 people and killed 2,466 during 2011; the most significant increases were in Chad, Cameroon, and in western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Chad more than 17,000 cases, including more than 450 deaths were reported in 2011. In Democratic Republic of Congo the latest outbreak in Bukavu Province has taken the lives of at least 14 people, while more than 1,600 have been infected so far in 2012. In India so far this year (2012) 9 cases have been reported. In Albay and Mindanao Philippines 5 deaths have already been reported this year. The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains highly critical. Since September 2011 cholera has claimed at least 200 lives. Passport Health offers products for water purification and electrolyte replacement; precautions for food and water are covered in the travel consultation.
POLIO in AFGHANISTAN, ANGOLA, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, CHAD, CHINA, CONGO, COTE D'IVOIRE, GABON, GUINEA, INDIA, KENYA, MALI, NIGER, NIGERIA, PAKISTAN
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Many countries worldwide report cases of Polio each year. Globally 620 cases were reported in 2011. Polio is endemic in Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan. Case totals during 2011 are as follows: Afghanistan (74 cases), Angola (5 cases), Central African Republic (4 cases), Chad (130 cases), China (21 cases), Cote d'Ivoire (36 cases), Republic of Congo (1 case), DR Congo (92 cases), Gabon (1 case), Guinea (3 cases), India (1 case), Kenya (1 case), Mali (7 cases), Niger (4 cases), Nigeria (51 cases), and Pakistan (191 cases). Adults should receive a one-time polio booster and all children should be current with their vaccinations prior to traveling.
DENGUE FEVER in BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, COLOMBIA, ECUADOR, INDIA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, MEXICO, PARAGUAY, PERU, PHILIPPINES, SRI LANKA, SURINAME
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Dengue Fever cases have been on the rise worldwide. In Brazil at least 1,070 cases have been reported so far this year (2012). Santa Cruz Bolivia has declared a municipal emergency due to the high number of cases reported recently. Colombia has reported 2 cases this year in Atlantico. In Guayas province Ecuador nearly 100 cases, including 1 death and 2 in serious condition have been reported so far this year. India’s Kerala state has reported at least 24 cases since the beginning 2012. At least 10 cases have been reported in East Java, Indonesia this year. During the first 3 weeks of January, more than 1300 cases and 4 deaths were reported from Malaysia; in Kuala Lampur, since December, nearly 400 cases a week are being reported on average. Yucatan is ranked with the highest number of dengue cases in Mexico so far this year, with 316 cases, which is 86 percent of the total cases in the country. In Paraguay at least 450 cases have been reported, 36 have been confirmed, since the beginning of this year; Asuncion and nearby cities have reported the majority cases. Peru’s Ucayali region was placed under a state of emergency near the end of January because 3 deaths, and 50,000 cases have been reported from the region since October 2011. In the Philippines 57 cases have been reported so far this year. In Sri Lanka there have been 8 deaths and nearly 2,500 cases. Since the beginning of this year 300 cases have been reported from Suriname. Dengue fever causes the same symptoms as flu and other kinds of fever and then develops in critical conditions such as hemorrhage, vomiting, or faster heartbeats. Travelers going to areas where dengue is present should promptly seek medical care if illness occurs when they return home and inform their health care provider of their recent travel. Persons traveling to areas where dengue is endemic should use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and reside in facilities with screens and air conditioning when available. No vaccine is available for preventing dengue infection.
RABIES in ANGOLA, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN, BOLIVIA, CHINA, ECUADOR, GHANA, INDIA, INDONESIA, KAZAKHSTAN, PAKISTAN, PERU, RUSSIA, UKRAINE
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Worldwide there are approximately 70,000 deaths per year from rabies. Angola reported at least 9 deaths, all children under 7 years, in the province of Huambo last year. In Bhutan 2 deaths were reported in 2011. Bangladesh has the highest per capita rate of human deaths from Rabies; 1 death in every 30,000 people. In Bolivia at least 130 cases and at least 5 deaths were reported last year. China averages more than 2400 deaths from rabies annually. Chinese officials imprisoned 8 people in 2011 after accusing them of selling a fake rabies vaccine. In Morona-Santiago Ecuador at least 10 deaths were reported in the last few months of 2011. In the western region of Ghana 2 deaths were reported in November. In the Andra Pradesh state in India rabies cases are reported regularly. In Tamil Nadu India at least 21 deaths were reported in 2011. Indonesia (Bali) reported 23 deaths last year. In the Nusa Penida District and East Nusa Tenggara of Indonesia (Islands outside of Bali) 2 deaths and 1 death were reported toward the end of last year. In Pakistan about 5000 deaths are reported annually. Peru’s Amazon region confirmed 8 deaths have been reported last year. In Russia's Tver Oblast 10 cases and 3 deaths were confirmed last year. In Kharkov Ukraine 4 cases were reported last year. There is a shortage of vaccine. Consequently, travelers should vaccinate prior to departure. Otherwise, if bitten, they will need to fly home, or to an Asian center such as Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong to get proper post-exposure treatment. Travelers to these areas should consider the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series.
HEPATITIS B in BANGLADESH, BHUTAN, BURMA, EAST TIMOR, INDIA, INDONESIA, MALDIVES, NEPAL, NORTH KOREA, PAKISTAN, SRI LANKA, THAILAND, UGANDA
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- About 600,000 people die each year due to Hepatitis B. More than 130 million people from eleven Asian countries carry Hepatitis B and/or C, out of 520 million people who have the disease globally. Chronic Hepatitis B and C are among the leading causes of preventable deaths in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, North Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In Pakistan 10.8% percent of all viral Hepatitis cases reported from June 2010 to March 2011 were Hepatitis B. In Punjab India at least 142 cases were confirmed last year. In Gujarat India 92 deaths were reported in the past year, most were between 15 and 45 years old. In India at least 1 in every 25 people living in North Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, have tested positive for hepatitis. In Uganda more than 35 cases were reported last year; 4 deaths were reported out of the 74 cases reported in 2010. Hepatitis B is a liver disease. It can range in severity from a mild illness to a serious long-term (chronic) illness that can lead to liver disease or liver cancer. Vaccination is recommended.
MUMPS in CANADA, ENGLAND, SPAIN
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- In Cumbria County England 14 cases were reported last year (2011). Spain has reported over 3,000 cases in 2011. In British Columbia and Toronto, Canada at least 100 cases collectively were reported in 2011. Mumps is caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can lead to inflammation of the brain and other organs. It is recommended that you receive an adult booster if you haven't had mumps and have only had your childhood immunizations.
CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER in PAKISTAN
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic Fever is endemic in many countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. In Pakistan at least 2 deaths were reported in the last three months of 2011. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is transmitted to humans through infected ticks or from direct contact with blood/infected tissues of livestock. Signs and symptoms of the disease include: sudden onset of high fever, headache, backache, abdominal pain, small hemorrhages of the eyes, and a type of rash in the mouth and on the trunk of the body.
E. COLI in AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, LUXEMBOURG, NETHERLANDS, NORWAY, POLAND, SPAIN, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
02/04/2012 01:46 AM
Feb '12- During 2011 almost 4000 cases, including more than 40 deaths were reported worldwide. The European Union, consisting of 27 member states in Europe, reported more than 900 cases; about 28% of the total cases turned into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can cause kidney failure. The following countries reported cases during the outbreak: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Switzerland also reported 23 cases during the year; normally Switzerland sees about 60 cases annually. E. Coli is transmitted to humans primarily through consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products and raw milk. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and mild fever. Most people get better within 5-7 days, but some patients go on to develop HUS—usually about a week after the diarrhea starts. Symptoms of HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color to skin and membranes due to anemia.




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