Current Travel Health News

The Health Authority of Egypt notified WHO of 2 cases of human infection with H5N1 Avian Influenza virus. The first case was a 45-year-old female from Menofia governorate. She developed symptoms on 10 February 2012. She is still recovering. The second case was a 1-year-old girl from Gharbeia governorate. She developed symptoms on 14 February 2012. She is in good medical condition.

(Source: World Health Organization 22 and 24 February 2012)

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia announced one new human case of H5N1 Avian Influenza. The patient was a 19-year-old female from Banten Province. She developed symptoms on 8 February 2012 and died on 13 February 2012. In addition, there was a news report concerning a 12-year-old girl from Bali who died of the disease on 21 February 2012.

(Source: World Health Organization 21 February 2012 and ProMED-mail 24 February 2012)

There was Mumps outbreak reported at Glasgow University, Scotland, United Kingdom. A total number of 30 students had been infected since the start of February.

(Source: ProMED-mail 20 February 2012)

In Nigeria, 40 people had died from the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the past 6 weeks. So far, 397 cases were reported.

(Source: ProMED-mail 23 February 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)

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)

For more information, please visit the World Health Organization website.