Current Travel Health News
Travel Health News Digest (31 December 2012)
United Kingdom: Norovirus Infection
According to Health Protection Agency in United Kingdom, activity of Norovirus infection is increasing and the number of confirmed cases of norovirus is up by 83 per cent compared to same period last year.
(Source: ProMED-mail 29 December 2012)
Argentina: Hantavirus Infection
In Argentina, about 260 suspected cases of Hantavirus infection had been reported in Jujuy province so far this year. Out of which, 22 cases had been confirmed and 6 people died of the disease.
(Source: ProMED-mail 29 December 2012)
In 2012, over 8800 cases of pertussis were detected in the United Kingdom. This was the highest number in recent 20 years.
(Source: ProMED-mail 27 December 2012)
Russia: Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
In Saratov Region, Russia, 140 cases of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) were recorded until November 2012. This is almost 4 fold increase compared to the same period in 2011.
(Source: ProMED-mail 26 December 2012)
Philippines: Chikungunya Fever
In The Philippines, 19 suspected cases of Chikungunya Fever in the villages of Albay were recorded in November this year.
(Source: ProMED-mail 26 December 2012)
In Madagascar, 250 cases of plague has been reported since the beginning of 2012 and nearly one out of 5 patients died.
(Source: ProMED-mail 24 December 2012)
As widespread violent clashes occurred in many cities across Syria, including Daraa, Latakia, Damascus, Baniyas, Aleppo, Homs and Hama, resulting in serious casualties, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Syria to Black. Residents are urged to avoid all travel to the country. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people.
For more information, please visit the OTA webpage.
(Source: Security Bureau, Government of Hong Kong SAR 26 April 2011)
Philippines: Black Travel Alert
Following the hostage taking incident in the Philippines which had caused casualties, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for the Philippines to Black. Hong Kong residents are urged to avoid all travel to the Philippines. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and stay alert.
For more information, please visit the OTA webpage.
(Source: Security Bureau, Government of Hong Kong SAR 20 September 2010))
WHO FAQs: Japan Nuclear Concerns
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization webpage.