Current Travel Health News
Travel Health News Digest (29 February 2004)
Chikungunya fever attacked 8,068 people in 9 provinces of Indonesia during 2003.
Chikungunya fever is spread by the bite of Aedes mosquito. The clinical picture resembles that of dengue fever, with sudden onset of fever followed by crippling joint pains. Recovery usually occurs in one to two weeks.
The most effective measures to prevent outbreaks of chikungunya fever, dengue fever, and malaria are controlling of the mosquito bleeding sites.
(Source: ProMED-mail 26 February 2004)
A total of 44 cases were found to have been affected by leptospirosis at P. Tottiyankulam on 20 February. The symptoms include fever, body ache, and eye congestion over 4 days. All the affected persons are being treated, and their contacts were given preventive treatment.
(Source: ProMED-mail 26 February 2004)
Bangladesh: Nipah-like virus [update]
As of 26 February 2004, Bangladesh has reported 22 cases of Nipah-like virus, including 17 deaths. An additional 51 cases are under investigation.
The infections have occurred in 5 districts: Rajbari, Manikganj, Jaipurhat, Naogang, and Faridpur.
(Source: ProMED-mail 26 February 2004)
North America: Avian Influenza A/H5
An outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu H5N2 outbreak was identified in a southern Texas chicken farm, prompting a dozen countries to ban US poultry.
The high-pathogenic bird flu H5N2 virus is easily spread by manure, farm equipment, clothing and shoes. Just one gram of contaminated manure can contain enough virus to potentially infect 1 million birds.
The bird flu found earlier this month in the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania in USA and British Columbia province of Canada were classified as low pathogenic.
(Source: Reuters Health 23 February 2004)
Asia: Avian influenza A/H5 [update-4]
Outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza have continued to affect Asian countries including Japan. However, no new case of avian flu has been reported in China for a straight 12 days. Moreover, half of the affected sites had been removed from the list of affected areas.
So far, human cases are only reported in Vietnam and Thailand. As of February 27, there have been 23 human cases in Vietnam and 10 human cases in Thailand. No human to human transmission has been reported.
The World Health Organization continues to advise that there is no travel restriction on any of the affected countries.
(Source: World Health Organization 27 February 2004, Xinhuanet 29 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.]
For the last few weeks, dengue has been spreading in the northeast of Peru. So far 1100 cases have been recorded, and at least 3 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever.
Localities affected are the departments of Lambayeque, Pucallpa, Loreto, Tumbes, San Martin, and Huanuco.
(Source: ProMED-mail 27 February 2004)
[Editor Note: Traveller to tropical areas of Central and South America should also adopt anti-mosquito measures.]
Indonesia: Dengue fever [update-2]
The Indonesian Ministry of Health reported on 26 February that dengue fever outbreaks have affected 22 provinces. Over 15,000 persons have been infected, of whom 267 had died.
Jarkarta is one of the worst hit areas, accounting for one-third of the cases. DEN-3 virus is the most common serotype circulating, although all 4 serotypes are present.
(Source: ProMED-mail 27 February 2004)
[Editor Note: Compared with the last report on 22 Feb 04, the number of cases has increased by another 4,000 while the number of deaths has increased by 43.]
Taiwan: Dengue fever, imported
To date, Taiwan has recorded 12 cases of imported dengue fever infection from Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand.
(Source: Central News Agency 24 February 2004)
[Editor Note: Dengue is endemic in Southeast Asia throughout the year. Travellers should adopt anti-mosquito measures when visiting the affected areas and should consult for medical advice early if suffering a fever during or after the trip.]
Hong Kong SAR: Dengue Fever, imported
One case of dengue fever was confirmed by the Department of Health, making a total of 8 confirmed imported case in 2004.
The patient complained of fever and dizziness while in Indonesia on 14 February. She returned to Hong Kong two days later and followed up in hospital. She was diagnosed to have dengue fever and recovered now.
(Source: Department of Health, HKSAR 26 February 2004)