Current Travel Health News
Travel Health News Digest (22 February 2004)
The Ministry of Health of Burundi has reported a total of 236 cases including 6 deaths in the provinces of Bubamza, Bujumbura, Bururi and Citiboke, as of 10 February. This cholera outbreak is closely linked to the lack of a safe water supply. A specific intervention for the chlorination of drinking water has been implemented.
Another cholera outbreak occurred in Douala, Cameroon, where 514 cases and 13 deaths had been reported.
Since the new year, a total of 280 new cases with 33 deaths has been reported in the regions of Mopti, Segou and Timbuctou of Mali.
In Mozambique, the Ministry of Health has reported a total of 9,391 cases and 61 deaths from 20 December 2003 to 16 February 2004 in 6 provinces (Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo, Nampula, Sofala, Zambézia). Maputo city is the most affected with 6,124 cases and 32 deaths. With the absence of heavy rainfall last week, the average number of cholera cases has decreased.
Close by in South Africa, the Department of Health has reported a cholera outbreak in the Nkomazi area, Mpumalanga province, which borders Mozambique. As of 11 February, the cumulative number of cholera cases reached 179 with 5 deaths.
As of 9 February, the Ministry of Health of Zambia has reported a total of 3,835 cases and 179 deaths. The cholera outbreak is still ongoing, mainly in Lusaka city.
(Source: World Health Organization 18 February 2004)
[Editor Note: Traveller visiting African countries should remain vigilance on food and personal hygiene.]
USA: Gastroenteritis on cruise ship
An outbreak of gastroenteritis has been reported on Carnival, a cruise ship sailing from USA to Mexico, affecting 297 out of the 1,567 passengers and 19 out of the 689 crew members. Preliminary tests show the outbreak might have been caused by a norovirus (Norwalk–like virus).
The virus is spread via contaminated food, contact with infected people, or poor hygiene. It can be prevented by regular hand-washing.
(Source: ProMED-mail 16 February 2004)
Asia: Avian influenza A/H5 [update-3]
Outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza have continued to affect Asian countries. However, no new case of avian flu has been reported in China since February 17.
So far, human cases are only reported in Vietnam and Thailand. As of February 20, there have been 22 human cases in Vietnam and 9 human cases in Thailand. No human to human transmission has been reported.
In Thailand, scientists have confirmed the two cases of H5 avian flu out of three dead domestic cats. However, the World Health Organization does not believe that this would increase the present risks to human health.
The World Health Organization continues to advise that there is no travel restriction on any of the affected countries.
(Source: World Health Organization 20 February 2004, Xinhuanet 20 February 2004)
[Editor Note: Travellers going to affected areas should avoid visit to live bird markets and poultry farms. They should avoid contact with live poultry and birds and wash hand thoroughly with soap and water after contact. They should observe good food hygiene and consume only thoroughly cooked poultry products and eggs.]
Indonesia : Dengue fever [update]
The Indonesian Ministry of Health reported on 22 February that dengue fever outbreaks have spread to all the provinces. Over 11,000 persons have been infected, of whom 224 had died.
(Source: Central News Agency 22 February 2004)
[Editor Note: Compared with the Special report on 20 Feb 04, the number of cases has increased by almost 3,000 while the number of deaths has increased by 49.
Travellers to South and Southeast Asia should adopt anti-mosquito measures. Should fever develop within 2 weeks on return, they should suspect dengue and seek medical attention immediately, and inform travel history.]