This past week was another slow week for flu activity in the United States as we near the Centers for Disease Control’s official start of the 2015-2016 flu season. But, while we wait, we have news on decreasing infection rates around the world and potential new drugs that could help save the lives of those who have caught the flu. Read on for more information!

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Southeast Asia is one of the most popular destinations for overseas travel due to the region’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and astounding cultural sites. Locations like the Taj Mahal, Mount Fuji and Angkor Wat are seen by millions every year, but traveling to this area can also pose a commonly overlooked health threat.

Over the last year, there has been a dramatic increase in Japanese encephalitis cases in Japan, India and other countries in Asia. The exact reason for this rise is unclear, but the solution, at least for travelers, is very simple: vaccination.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available at all Passport Health clinics nationwide. However, many travelers chose to forego Japanese encephalitis vaccination. They (often mistakenly) don’t believe they will come in contact with the disease, or they do not think the vaccine is ‘worth it.’ Such thinking couldn’t be more wrong.

Just this week, six children in India were killed by Japanese encephalitis, and over 20 more tested positive in the Assam region. Other countries have had serious outbreaks as well, but India is quickly becoming a JE hotzone. Travelers to the region are strongly encouraged to receive a Japanese encephalitis vaccine.

Still, some may say, “Why do I need a Japanese encephalitis vaccine? I’m not traveling to an infected area,” or “I’ll only be there for a few days; I’ll be safe.” Such thinking, however, is ill-conceived. Because JE is a mosquito-borne illness, someone could conceivably become infected within hours of arriving at the destination. Vaccination is critical in preventing infection and the spread of the disease.

It takes at least 28 days to complete the Japanese encephalitis vaccine series and obtain full protection. Prepare before you go by visiting your local Passport Health clinic.

To learn more about Japanese encephalitis, see our JE portal.

Are you planning a trip to Asia? Tell us about it! Comment below, on our Facebook page or via Twitter.

A wildlife safari in Tanzania is an adventurer’s dream come true. Make sure you are well protected before your exotic adventure.

Five Tips for an Unbeatable Safari in Tanzania

A safari is often a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Here are five tips on how you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip:

1. Since you will most likely be traveling with Tanzanian guides while on safari, you should try to learn a little bit of Kiswahili. It’s a nice gesture and shows that you respect the local culture and customs.
2. Always listen to your tour guide during the safari. If they say that it is not safe to leave the vehicle or the camping area, then don’t move until you have permission to do so. Never wander off by yourself. The guide is there to watch out for you; they have your best interests in mind.
3. Be sure to bring insect repellent and long-sleeved shirts and pants for dusk, when mosquitoes are the most active. This is to minimize your risk of contracting malaria.
4. Avoid drinking the tap water or water from lakes, rivers and streams. You could get very sick from this. Your guide will usually provide you with bottled water that is safe to drink.
5. Finally, you should schedule a pre-travel health consultation with a travel health specialist before you even set foot on the plane. You may need vaccinations for Tanzania in order to stay healthy during your journey.

What Vaccines Do I Need for Tanzania?

When you arrive for your appointment, the travel health specialist will examine you and look at your medical history. Their primary goal is to make sure that you are fit to travel. If you are, then they may suggest that you receive a number of recommended immunizations for Tanzania in addition to any routine vaccinations that need booster doses. Be sure to schedule your first appointment at least four weeks before you leave on your trip.

Most travelers should be vaccinated against typhoid as it can be spread through contaminated food and water. You could be sick for a very long time if you contract hepatitis A or typhoid. Receiving vaccinations for these diseases is definitely worth it.

You should also be vaccinated against hepatitis B and rabies, especially if you plan on going on safari. If you will be at risk of animal bites at any point during your trip, then the rabies vaccination could save your life.

You will also need a yellow fever vaccine. While the Center for Disease Control, or CDC, does not typically recommend receiving a yellow fever vaccine for travel to Tanzania, it is a good idea to get vaccinated if you will be staying in the country for a long period of time. You may need to provide proof of your yellow fever vaccination to the Tanzanian authorities if an outbreak has occurred and you have recently been traveling through endemic areas.

You should also consider bringing prescribed anti-malarial drugs with you on your trip as a prophylactic measure.

Don’t Wait – Make a Travel Health Appointment Today

If you need immunizations for your trip to Tanzania, don’t hesitate to get the travel health care you need from a specialist prior to your departure. Getting the vaccinations deemed necessary for a Tanzanian safari can mean the difference between seeing exotic animals and seeing the walls of a hospital from a hospital bed. Good luck, have fun and remember to purchase some travel insurance before you go.

Sources:
CDC Traveler Information Page for Tanzania
Travel Article Tips for Going on a Safari
Passport Health Page for Tanzania