MASTA Travel Health Alert- 8th December 2016
Over 251,000 suspected cases of chikungunya have been reported, Jan-Nov 16. 17,683 suspected cases were reported in 2015.
Outbreaks of chikungunya have been reported in a number of regions including Maasin, Leyte Island (C) and Indang, Cavite province (south of Manila), Sep-Nov 16.
Chikungunya (CHIK) is a viral infection spread by day-time biting mosquitoes. Symptoms may include fever and muscle/joint pain. Some people experience persistent joint pain and fatigue lasting weeks or months.
Outbreaks of cholera have been reported from 12 governates, including the capital Sana'a, Oct-Nov 16. Around 7,700 suspected cases have been recorded with many in Taiz and Aden.
Cholera is a bacterial infection usually spread through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. The risk is highest for those with limited access to safe water and medical care such as aid workers and travellers to remote areas with reported outbreaks. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea and dehydration. An oral vaccine is available for those at particular risk.
Dengue fever is a continuing problem throughout Myanmar, over 8,200 cases (40 deaths) have been recorded, Jan-Nov 16. Mandalay (C) reports many cases.
Dengue fever is an on-going problem in Nepal. 1,315 cases have been reported from 30 different districts, Jan-Nov 16. Chitwan (C) has been most affected.
2016 has seen the largest dengue fever outbreak in Bangladesh for 10 years with nearly 6,000 cases reported, Jan-Nov 16.
Dengue fever is a widespread problem with over 97,300 cases reported, Jan-Nov 16. Outbreaks have been recorded in many states with Orissa (E), West Bengal (E), Uttar Pradesh (N), Punjab (N), and Gujarat (W) reporting the highest number of cases.
At least 3,200 cases of dengue fever have been recorded in Islamabad/Rawalpindi (N), Jan-Nov 16. Over 1,700 cases have been reported from Sindh province (S), mainly in Karachi, Jan-Nov 16. Outbreaks have also been reported in Baluchistan (S), Dec 16.
Dengue fever is a continuing problem, over 17,000 cases have been reported from Ho Chi Minh City, Jan-Nov 16. Overall, over 63,500 cases (20 deaths) have been reported from 44 of 63 provinces, Jan-Nov 16.
Dengue fever is a continuing problem, with over 12,600 cases reported, Jan-Nov 16. Monthly cases are now said to be reducing, Oct 16.
Dengue fever is a continuing problem in Malaysia. Over 92,800 cases (214 deaths) have been reported, Jan-Nov 16. Selangor (SW) has reported at least 40,000 of these cases. Johor (S), Perak (W), and Kuala Lumpur (E) are also affected.
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by day-time biting mosquitoes. It is widespread across over 110 countries with large outbreaks reported in many regions including South East Asia and South/Central America. Dengue fever commonly causes flu-like symptoms including fever, joint pain and rash. Severe forms of the disease are rare in travellers but can lead to excessive bleeding and organ failure.
4 cases of Legionnaire's disease have been diagnosed in Spanish tourists who all stayed at the same hotel in Cuzco between Oct and Nov 16.
Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial infection which can cause a life-threatening pneumonia. Outbreaks are often associated with communal water facilities such spas, showers and cooling towers.
The Ministry of Health have reported 502 suspected cases (42 deaths) of leptospirosis, Jan-Nov 16. Cases have increased following Hurricane Matthew and continuous rains since Oct.
Leptospirosis is transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals usually in water. Outbreaks often occur after natural disasters and flooding. About 10% of those infected progress onto a severe form known as Weil’s disease which can involve multiple organs. Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated fresh water. It is treated with antibiotics.
The Saudi Ministry of Health continue to report additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Dec 16. 1,501 cases (621 deaths) have been reported since 2012.
MERS-CoV is a viral infection which affects the respiratory system and can be fatal. Human to human transmission has been reported including amongst healthcare workers. There is some evidence that camels may also transmit the disease. Travellers returning from the Middle East who develop a significant respiratory illness with fever and cough should seek medical advice. There are no travel restrictions.