YELLOW FEVER in Bolivia, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Sudan
May '13 - According to WHO, an outbreak of yellow fever resulted in more than 840 cases and claimed at least 171 lives in Sudan’s Darfur region between the end of September and the end of March this year. This outbreak has been deemed the worst yellow fever epidemic to hit Africa in 2 decades. After the outbreak in Sudan’s Darfur region, neighboring Chad responded by performing intensive surveillance and an emergency vaccination campaign for yellow fever and has since detected more than 130 cases, including 9 fatalities due to yellow fever in the country. In Bolivia’s Cochabamba department one person has died due to yellow fever. Consequently, health authorities are on alert and have requested the general public get vaccinated at least ten days prior to traveling to the tropical area. In Cameroon more than 1,100 cases of yellow fever have been reported since the beginning of the year. In Ghana’s Upper West Region, specifically Jirapa district, a yellow fever outbreak resulted in more than 10 cases between February and March. According to WHO, 1 case has been confirmed in Diffa, Republic of Niger. So far this year nearly 40 cases have been reported throughout Nigeria in the following states: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Gombe, Imo, Kano, Ondo and Sokoto. In Peru deaths have been reported so far this year in Ayacucho and Puno regions. 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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
MALARIA in Greece, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe
May '13 - Each year, more than 250 million cases of malaria are reported worldwide, killing between 1 million and 3 million people. About 90% of malaria-related deaths take place in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the CDC, Malaria cases continue to be reported in Greece and even in areas where malaria had not been previously reported. Malaria cases have been reported from the following regions: Attica, Karditsa, Laconia, Viotia, and Xanthi; the following Greek cities have also reported cases: Evrotas, Marathon, Markopoulo, and Selino. In India, malaria is endemic in Rajasthan and parts of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Gujarat and Jharkhand. At least 17,000 cases were reported last year across India. Already this year, Hyderabad in Andra Pradesh, India is reporting a significant increase in malaria cases and a few malaria cases have been reported among residents along the Zuari river at Cortalim (located in Goa). One case of malaria was reported in a Japanese traveler returning from Malaysia in September. According to the Ministry of Health, Nigeria usually reports the highest number of malaria cases in the world and currently contributes to about 23% of the world's malaria cases. Malaria cases in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal state, South Sudan, tripled during 2012 compared to the previous year; more than 1000 children were reported to have suffered from malaria between March and August alone last year. In just one month's time (Sept-Oct) more than 2000 cases of malaria were confirmed in the state and outlying areas. According to the Ministry of Health, a malaria outbreak in Uganda’s Mubende district has resulted in more than 30 cases, including 5 fatalities, since the beginning of January. An increase of malaria cases and deaths have been reported in Zimbabwe this year; at least 55 deaths and more than 120,000 cases of malaria have been recorded so far this year countrywide.
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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
CHOLERA in Angola, Congo - Brazzaville, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Haiti, India, Malaysia, Mozambique, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
May '13 – Cholera is a bacterial disease that can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Cholera is most often spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or drinking water. Although cholera is preventable, an estimated 3 to 5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world. Cholera is common in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Passport Health offers products for water purification and electrolyte replacement; precautions for food and water are covered in the travel consultation. Since the beginning of the year Angola has reported a significant number of cases and deaths from cholera in Cabinda, Cunene, Benguela, Luanda and Uije provinces. Since the beginning of the year, the Ashanti region in Ghana has reported one fatality and 50 hospitalizations due to cholera. Outbreaks in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces have resulted in more than 700 cases since the beginning of the year. A cholera epidemic in the Republic of Congo’s second largest city, Pointe-Noire, has resulted in more than 380 cases and 10 deaths since Nov 2012. In South Africa’s Limpopo Province a Zimbabwean man was diagnosed with cholera in mid-March. In Tanzania’s Sumbawanga district, along the Lake Rukwa Basin, more than 300 cases and 9 fatalities were reported in January alone. Uganda reported a cholera epidemic in January that resulted in six villages across Nebbi district reporting at least 28 cases. Uganda’s Hoima district has now reported more than 50 cases since the epidemic broke out in mid-April. According to health officials in Zambia, 3 fatalities due to cholera have been reported from Luapula Province already this year. Since the beginning of the cholera epidemic in Haiti, in late-2010, the total number of cases reported have reached more than 654,000 including more than 8100 deaths. Ministry of Health statistics show that currently an average of 150 new cases are reported daily in Haiti. According to the Pan American Health Organization, more than 29,000 suspected cholera cases and a total 422 cholera-related deaths have been reported in the Dominican Republic since the epidemic began in late 2010 in the country. According to the Dominican Ministry of Health, more than 7,700 suspected cholera cases and 62 suspected cholera-related deaths were reported during 2012. According to Cuba’s Public Health Ministry, more than 50 cases were reported in January and February with the majority of cases reported from the eastern provinces of Holguin, Guantanamo, and Granma, although some were reported in the western capital of Havana. More recently, Cienfuegos province is reporting an increase in cases. In India outbreaks in Northeast Kerala, the southern districts of Karnataka and Ahmedabad in Gujarat resulted in nearly 80 cases combined in April. During the first two weeks of January, Malaysia’s Sabah State, located in Borneo, reported 20 cases in Papar district. In the Philippines’ Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) nearly 70 people were hospitalized due to cholera in April.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control, Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization.
DENGUE FEVER in Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji Islands, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mexico, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, U.S. Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela
May '13 - Dengue Fever cases have been on the rise worldwide. According to WHO, incidence of dengue has increased 30 fold in the past 50 years. WHO estimates over 2.5 billion people are now at risk of dengue and there are about 50-100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. According to the CDC, dengue fever is the most common cause of fever in travelers who return from South Central Asia, Central America and the Caribbean. Significant outbreaks have been reported in the following countries so far this year (most affected places within each country are listed in parenthesis, if specified in reports):
Angola (Luanda province), Argentina (Salta, Chaco, Cordoba, Jujuy and Misiones provinces), Australia (Queensland state), Bolivia (Tarija, La Paz, Beni, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz departments), Brazil (Piaui, Paraiba, Amazonas, Ceara, Minas Gerais, Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Federal District, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondonia and Espirito Santo states), Cambodia, Colombia (West Central, Atlantico, Bolivar, Sucre, Santander, Risaralda, Antioquia, Caldas, Quindio, Valle del Cauca, La Guajira and Tolima departments), Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador (El Oro, Los Rios, Manabi, Sucumbios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas provinces and Coastal region), El Salvador (San Miguel department), Fiji, Honduras (Cortes, Choluteca and Olancho departments), India (Kerala, Punjab and Maharashtra states), Indonesia (Java and Jakarta), Jamaica, Kenya (Mombasa and North Eastern province), Malaysia (Sarawak state), Marshall Islands, Mexico (Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, Morelos, Nuevo Leon, Nyarit, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Yucatan states), New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Pakistan (Sindh province), Paraguay (Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira and Paraguari departments), Philippines (Caloocan, Cebu, Central Visayas, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Kalinga, Malabon, Manila, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, Valenzuela provinces), Peru (Ancash, Junin, Piura, Lima and Ucayali regions), Portugal (Island of Madeira), Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia (Makkah [Mecca] and Jeddah provinces), Singapore, Solomon Islands (Honiara and Guadalcanal), Somalia (Mogadishu city), Sri Lanka (Eastern province), Thailand (Bangkok), Uruguay, US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Vanuatu, Venezuela (Aragua, Carabobo, Zulia, Lara and Tachira states). 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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
MEASLES in Algeria, Australia, Benin, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Scotland, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Wales
May '13 - According to the CDC, measles kills more than 100,000 children each year worldwide and is common in parts of Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Domestic travelers are just as likely, as international travelers, to be exposed on airplanes or in airports. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and the CDC advises that all travelers be up to date on their vaccinations. Significant outbreaks have been reported in the following countries so far this year (most affected places within each country are listed in parenthesis, if specified in reports): Algeria (Adrar province), Australia (South Australia), Benin (Atakora department), Cameroon (Douala), Canada (Ontario and New Brunswick), Chad (Djabal Camp), China (Anhui and Yunnan provinces), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (northern region), Gabon (Libreville), Georgia (Tbilisi), Germany (Bavaria), Ghana (Tamale), Namibia (Oshikoto), Nigeria (Kaduna, Jigawa, Niger, Kano, Yobe, Lagos, Gombe and Kebbi states), Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad Capital Territory), Russia (Dagestan, Zelenograd and Nizhniy Novgorod region), Sudan (East Darfur), Syria (Northern region), Uganda (Hoima district), United Kingdom (Scotland - Ayrshire Fife/ England (North East, North West, South West, South East, West Midlands, London, Greater Manchester), Wales) and USA (FL, IN, MA, NC, NJ, NY, TX, VA and WA states).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges 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. 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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
HEPATITIS A in Belize, Colombia, Egypt, Mexico, Pakistan, Sweden, Venezuela
May '13 – According to the WHO, 1.4 million cases of Hepatitis A occur annually worldwide. It is transmitted when a person ingests food or drink contaminated by an infected person's feces. The risk of contracting hepatitis A virus infection is high in certain regions, in particular Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Travelers should vaccinate prior to travel.
Since the beginning of the year, Belize has reported Hepatitis A cases mainly in the Districts of Corozal, Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo. In Colombia’s Huila Department an outbreak of more than 40 cases has been reported across the municipality. Since the beginning of the year, there has been an increase in reported cases of Hepatitis A in European travelers returning from Egypt. Hepatitis A infection is common in many small communities throughout Mexico due to seasonal factors, inadequate sanitation and lack of clean water. Health officials in Mexico have reported six outbreaks in the following districts so far this year: San Miguel, Monteverde, Huauapan, Santiago Tamazola, El Oro Nuxaa, Santiago Yosondua and Santa Cruz. According to the CDC, hepatitis A is thought to infect almost all persons living in Pakistan by the age of 15 years. Health officials in Swat Valley (located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – northern Pakistan) reported an outbreak resulting in hundreds of cases in mid-February. Since the beginning of the year, more than 50 Hepatitis A cases have been reported in Sweden. According to the Ministry of Health more than 300 cases of hepatitis (including A, B, C, and D) were reported last year Vargas state, Venezuela with hepatitis A being the most frequent cause of hepatitis in the state.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
PERTUSSIS in Australia, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA
May '13 - According to the WHO, about 50 million pertussis cases, including 350,000 deaths, occur annually worldwide. 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.
According to International Society for Infectious Diseases, 1 to 3 deaths from pertussis occur each year in Canada, usually in infants too young to have begun their immunization and in partially immunized infants. According to the National Institute of Health, between January and September last year nearly 590 cases of pertussis were confirmed in Bogata, Colombia and as a result 23 children under the age of 5 years old died. Bogata reported the 2nd largest number of cases, just behind Antioquia, where most of the country’s cases were reported; these numbers only account for about 21% of all cases reported throughout Colombia last year. Over the past couple decades there has been a dramatic increase in pertussis cases in Australia and New Zealand; in the middle of last year case numbers had reached levels which haven’t been encountered in the USA for over 60 years. In the United Kingdom more than 8800 cases were reported during 2012, including 14 infant fatalities; in October and November alone more than 2600 cases were reported in the UK combined. These have been the highest numbers reported, during the course of one year, since the 1990's. According to the CDC, pertussis cases in the USA were at their highest level in more than 5 decades last year, with more than 18,000 cases and 9 infant deaths reported in 27 states across the country.
Children should be vaccinated against the disease and parents, family members and caregivers of infants need a booster shot.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
INFLUENZA Worldwide
May '13 – According to the CDC, annual vaccination against seasonal influenza is recommended for all people 6-months of age and older in the United States. Influenza activity in North America, Europe and northern Asia has mostly decreased to inter-seasonal levels with low level persistent activity reported in a few countries. China continues to report cases of H7N9. Low levels of influenza activity continue to be reported across the world’s tropical regions. Influenza activity has stayed steady at inter-seasonal levels in most countries of the southern hemisphere.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
AVIAN INFLUENZA (H5N1) in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam
May '13 - 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. WHO reports that globally since 2003, there have been 622 confirmed cases, including 371 fatalities overall.
Bangladesh has reported a total of 7 cases since 2008 in which 1 of these cases have been reported this year from Comilla (near Dhaka). In Cambodia 30 cases and 27 deaths have been confirmed to date; already this year there have been 10 cases including at least 8 fatalities. Of the 45 cases confirmed to date in China, 29 have been fatal. In Egypt 172 cases and 62 deaths have been confirmed to date; three of these total cases have been reported this year. In Indonesia 160 deaths out of 192 cases have been confirmed to date; last year 9 deaths were reported with the last one from West Java in mid-December. In Vietnam 124 cases and 62 deaths have been confirmed to date; included in this total are 4 cases and 2 fatalities reported last year and 1 reported so far this year. The following countries haven’t reported a case since January 2012. In Azerbaijan 8 cases and 5 deaths have been confirmed to date. Djibouti has confirmed 1 case 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. Myanmar has reported 1 case. 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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
CHIKUNGUNYA in Australia, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore
May '13 - Chikungunya is known to occur during the rainy season in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, southern India, and Pakistan. Chikungunya is often confused with Dengue fever, as the symptoms are similar, although chikungunya symptoms are less severe compared to dengue. In Cairns Australia, 2 cases of chikungunya have been confirmed in travelers returning from Papua New Guinea. While conducting a study in late 2012, WHO found at least 190 people in Cambodia tested positive for the disease. Chikungunya is endemic in India; therefore sporadic outbreaks occur throughout the country frequently. In India’s Ganjam district, located in Odisha, 4 cases have been reported so far this year; last year the same district reported over 500 cases. In East Jakarta Indonesia more than 160 cases have been reported so far this year. Health Authorities confirmed 3 cases of chikungunya in New Caledoniatowards the end of April. Chikungunya continues to spread across Papua New Guinea, with reports of cases in the following provinces: Madang, West New Britain, East New Britain, Morobe, and Eastern Highlands. Across the Philippines more than 500 chikungunya fever cases have been reported from the following regions: Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Bicol, Davao and Caraga. More than 100 cases have been reported in Singapore so far this year which is a significant increase from the past few years where 3-6 annually would be reported. 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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
MENINGITIS in Chad, Chile, Ethiopia, Russia, South Sudan
May '13 - In late-2012 a meningitis outbreak (4 cases) aboard a cruise ship caused the ship to dock early at an Italian port to immediately treat nearly 3000 passengers with antibiotic prophylaxis. Sub-Saharan Africa is plagued yearly during the dry season (December to June) by large epidemics of meningococcal meningitis. According to Chad’s Health Minister, the country has recorded more than 50,000 cases of meningitis and more than 5000 deaths during the past 15 years. In Chile 18 cases, including 4 deaths, have been reported throughout the country so far this year. Outbreaks in the Santiago Metropolitan Region continue to be reported. According to the Ethiopian government and the WHO, an outbreak in January this year was reported around Arba Minch and Shebdino (located in southern Ethiopia). Since the beginning of the year an increase in meningitis cases has been noted in several regions throughout Russia including Penza, Nizhny Novgorod, Sverdlovsk, Yaroslavl, Perm and Irkutsk regions. Cases of meningococcal infection are commonly reported every year in the Irkutsk region. According to the Ministry of Health, an outbreak of meningitis in South Sudan's Upper Nile state continues; more than 38 cases and at least 2 deaths have been reported. Vaccination prior to travel is recommended.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
LEPTOSPIROSIS in Dominican Republic, Peru
May '13 - According to health officials an outbreak in April resulted in more than 60 cases, including 2 deaths, in Peru’s city of Juanjui. During the first 10 months of last year health officials in Dominican Republic reported more than 940 suspected cases of leptospirosis, including 58 deaths.
Leptospirosis is spread through contact of urine from infected animals and/or contact with water, soil or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals. According to the CDC, leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, rash, abdominal pain, muscle and head aches. However, some may not exhibit symptoms at all. If not treated, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
MUMPS in Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam
May '13 - The outbreak in Perth, Australia has resulted in 30 confirmed cases since late December and continues to increase. Mumps outbreaks occurring in Spain have been frequently reported in recent years. In Spain, two separate mumps outbreaks have occurred in Madrid and Galicia so far this year. In England mumps outbreaks have been reported among students at several Oxford colleges recently. In Vietnam's Lao Cai province an outbreak has been reported among students. In the United States so far this year, mumps outbreaks have been reported among university students in Maryland and Virginia.
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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
HEPATITIS B in Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Korea (North), Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, Venezuela
May '13 - According to the WHO, two billion people worldwide have been infected with Hepatitis B and about 600,000 people die each year because of it. Chronic Hepatitis B and C are among the leading causes of preventable deaths in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar(Burma) , East Timor, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, North Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Hepatitis B cases doubled in India last year compared with the previous year according to the Deputy Director of Public Health Services in Kerala; significant increases in case numbers were reported in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kollam, Changnacherry and Pathanamthitta. In India at least 1 in every 25 people living in North Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, have tested positive for hepatitis. According to the head of the Indonesia Liver Research Association (PPHI) only about 10 -20% of all hepatitis cases are detected. According to a Health Ministry study (in 2007), 9.4% of Indonesians (about 30 million people) were found to be positive for hepatitis B or C. According to the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Hepatitis B affects about 200,000 Australians. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 700 cases of hepatitis B and at least 1000 cases of hepatitis C were detected among Kuwait’s citizens and residents last year. The prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection in Pakistan is one of the highest rates in the world. Health officials in Uganda’s West Nile region have reported an ongoing outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of 29 people so far and surveillance teams say the numbers may be higher. According to the Ministry of Health, hepatitis B cases increased by about 27% last year, compared to the previous year in Venezuela; more than 700 cases were reported in Venezuela during 2012. Venezuela’s eight states that are most affected by hepatitis B include, Vargas, Bolivar, Capital District, Tachira, Sucre, Merida, Guarico, and Anzoategui.
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. Hepatitis B is spread by contact with blood and other body fluids of an infected person. According to WHO, common methods of Hepatitis B virus transmission include, from mother to baby at birth, early childhood infections through close interpersonal contact with infected household contacts, unsafe injection practices, blood transfusions and unprotected sexual contact. Vaccination is recommended.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
POLIO in Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Djibouti, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan
May '13 - Many countries worldwide report cases of Polio each year. So far this year, cases have been reported from Afghanistan, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Somalia. The CDC recommends that adults and children traveling to countries with recently imported cases, or to countries at risk because of their proximity to these areas, be up to date on the polio vaccine. This includes: Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Djibouti, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Uganda and Uzbekistan.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
RABIES in Angola, Bangladesh, China, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe
May '13 - Although the CDC says that rabies is a preventable viral disease, there are more than 55,000 human deaths per year from rabies worldwide. Canine rabies is most prevalent in South East Asia and Africa, while bat rabies predominates in South America. Cases are often under-reported. Throughout 2012, more than 90 people died from rabid dog bites in Luanda, Angola. Bangladesh has the highest per capita rate of human deaths from rabies, which is 1 death in every 30,000 people. China averages more than 2,400 human deaths from rabies annually. According to China’s Ministry of Health, rabies is a huge problem in China and has the 2nd highest incidence rate in the world after India. Human rabies cases are increasing in China and many deaths are attributed to the consumption of rabid dog meat. So far this year in Beijing 2 human fatalities have been reported. In Northern Greece rabies has re-emerged in wild and domestic animals and according to WHO more than 100 human exposures have required post-exposure prophylaxis due to bites so far this year. Roughly 36% of the world’s rabies deaths occur in India each year; so far this year human cases and deaths have been reported in Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kashmir states. Rabies is a known issue in Indonesia, even in popular tourist destinations. In Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda (Qyzylorda) region a four year old has been hospitalized with rabies infection this month (May). In Pakistan about 5,000 deaths are reported annually. In Cebu City Philippines at least 2 human cases, including 1 fatality, and 4 human deaths in Cotabato city have been reported so far this year. Sri Lanka reported 28 deaths throughout last year due to rabies, mostly from dogs who are the main carriers of rabies in the country. In Zimbabwe 2 people died due to rabies, while 400 others reported being bitten by dogs, in the same week (early April this year). Travelers to these areas should consider the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
TUBERCULOSIS in China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma)
May '13 - About 25 percent of the world’s multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases occur in China. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that nearly 120,000 new cases occur on Mainland China every year. Ranking second after China, 20 percent of the of the world's multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases occur in India. For the first time ever 2 cases of extensively drug-resisitant (XDR-TB) tuberculosis have been detected in India's Pune district this year. Indonesia and Myanmar follow China and India with the next highest figures of MDR-TB cases annually.
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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
TYPHOID FEVER in Democratic Republic of Congo, Fiji Islands, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe
May '13 - According to the CDC, typhoid affects 21.5 million people worldwide each year. Fiji has one of the highest rates for typhoid fever in the world. Pakistan currently experiences an average of 1000 cases per year. According to health officials, incidence of typhoid fever in Australian travelers returning home have increased in recent years and failure to get vaccinations prior to travel may be to blame. Earlier this year a Queensland university student died from typhoid after returning from the Middle East and southern Asia. In Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai-Occidental province, more than 1000 cases have been reported already this year and numbers continue to increase. In India an increased number of cases have been reported so far this year from Jamnagar (Gujarat state) and Mumbai (Maharashtra state). In Malawi’s Southern Region about 30,000 cases of typhoid fever have been reported every month since the beginning of the year. According to the CDC, so far this year 5 travelers returning to Taiwan from Myanmar and Indonesia have tested positive for typhoid. In Zambia's Central province more than 140 cases have been reported so far this year. Zimbabwe’s latest typhoid outbreak began in October last year and has continued to spread throughout this year. More than 3500 cases, including 5 deaths, have been reported in the city of Harare alone.
Travelers are encouraged to get the Typhoid vaccine prior to traveling to these and other endemic regions and to exercise food and water precautions.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS in China, India, Taiwan
May '13 - Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia with 30-50,000 cases reported annually. It is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that become infected with JE virus; mosquitoes become infected by feeding on domestic pigs and wild birds infected with the JE virus. Mild JE infections can occur without apparent symptoms other than fever and/or headache. Severe cases are marked by a quick onset of headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions and spastic paralysis.
Eastern China is endemic for JE. According to the Centre for Health Protection, a total of 3 cases, with at least 1 resulting in death, were reported last year from Tin Shui Wai, Chongqing and Xinhui; the first case was reported in July, the second in August and the third in late-September. In India 3 deaths have been attributed to JE so far this year from Bihar and West Bengal. The CDC estimates between 20 and 40 cases of JE are reported annually in Taiwan. According to the CDC, countries that have had major epidemics in the past, but have controlled the disease primarily by vaccination, include China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. Other countries that still have periodic epidemics include Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Nepal, and Malaysia.
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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Turkey
May '13 - Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic Fever is endemic in many countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. A European traveler returning from Kabul, Afghanistan in early October died of CCHF. According to health officials in India, 18 cases and 7 deaths were reported in Gujarat and 2 deaths in Ahmedabad last year. According to the WHO, 38 cases, including 14 deaths, were reported throughout Pakistan last year. Cases of CCHF have been confirmed in Russia’s Rostov and Volgograd regions. So far this year in the Rostov and Volgograd regions more than 400 people and 220 people have sought treatment for tick bites respectively. A man in Free State, South Africa has been hospitalized after contracting CCHF; this is the second case to be treated at the same hospital (in Bloemfontein) already this year. In Turkey's Black Sea province the first fatality of 2013 due to CCHF was reported in late April. In the Black Sea region of Turkey, 7 fatalities due to CCHF were reported last year. 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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
E. COLI in Canada, Denmark
May '13 - An outbreak of E. Coli in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario Canada left at least 20 people ill between January and February; health officials say the outbreak was likely caused by lettuce that was served at a popular fast food chain in the country. An outbreak that began in late September resulted in 11 confirmed cases of E.Coli in Copenhagen, Denmark. 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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE in China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Korea (South), Macau, Maldives, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam
May '13 - Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that can cause the following symptoms: fever, blister-like sores in the mouth, and a skin rash that most often appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. According to the CDC, large outbreaks of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease are common in some Asian countries and practicing good hygiene, like frequent hand-washing, when traveling to these countries can lower your risk of getting sick. On New Zealand’s North Island, Bay of Plenty and Auckland health officials have reported an increase in the number of HFMD cases in the last month. An increase of HFMD cases was reported in the Maldives according to the Health Protection Agency from January to mid-February. According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, more than 10,000 people in Vietnam have been infected by HFMD since the beginning of the year; the most significant increases have been reported in the following provinces: central Da Nang, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ngai, northern Yen Bai and Tuyen Quang, and southern Soc Trang. Last year more than 1.7 million cases, including nearly 500 fatalities were reported across China, according to WHO. During 2012, Hong Kong reported more than 430 cases and Macau reported more than 1500 cases. According to WHO, Japan reported more than 57,000 HFMD cases throughout the country last year. According to WHO, nearly half of each 1000 outpatients in Republic Korea (aka South Korea) last year were cases of HFMD.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION in Bahrain, France, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Yemen
May '13 - According to the CDC, a total of 40 confirmed cases, including 20 fatalities have been reported from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and France in recent months. Coronaviruses are a cause of the common cold and can cause severe respiratory illnesses. According to the CDC, risk of the new coronavirus is thought to be low for travelers. Symptoms include coughing, breathing difficulties, and fever. The CDC recommends that travelers to countries on the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries (Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) monitor their health and see a doctor right away if the above symptoms develop.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
AVIAN INFLUENZA (H7N9) in China, Taiwan
May '13 - According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) have been confirmed in China from Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai, and Zhejiang provinces. A case has also been reported from Taiwan, in a person who had traveled to an area of China where other H7N9 cases have been reported. This type of flu is usually seen in birds and this is the first time it has been seen in people. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. So far human infection with avian influenza (H7N9) has resulted in severe respiratory illness and in some cases death.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control, Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization.
RUBELLA in Japan
May '13 - According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, more than 5,400 cases of rubella have been reported so far this year and cases continue to rapidly increase; Tokyo has reported the highest number of cases followed by Kanagawa and Chiba.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.
Sources Include: International Society for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization.
