Daily Travel Health Update, 19 August 2014

Daily Travel Health Update 19 August 2014 from London Vaccination Clinic: Travel Clinic London

Caribbean – Chikungunya Fever

Travellers to the Caribbean are reminded that there is an outbreak of the mosquito borne chikungunya fever continuing to spread throughout the region. There have been over 300,000 reported cases of the disease since the outbreak began about six months ago. Chikungunya Fever is spread by daytime biting mosquitoes and causes a high fever along with muscle and joint pains that can last up to a week. There is currently no vaccination available to prevent chikungunya fever. Travellers can protect themselves by using insect repellent such as DEET 50% and covering up areas of exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers.

China – Dengue Fever

There are reports of over 400 cases of Dengue Fever in the Guangzhou area of Guangdong in China. Dengue Fever is spread by daytime biting mosquitoes and causes severe fever, rash and joint and muscle pain. Although most people infected with Dengue Fever recover within a week or so it can lead to the more dangerous Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever which is potentially fatal. There is no vaccination against Dengue Fever but travellers can reduce the risk of transmission by covering up areas of exposed skin as well as using insect repellent such as DEET 50%.

Brazil – Dengue Fever

More than 1000 cases of Dengue Fever have been reported in Cuiabá, Brazil. Outbreaks of Dengue Fever is common throughout this vast country and travellers are advised to be aware of outbreak areas prior to travelling. Our advice follows the above, cover up and use insect repellent during the daytime to avoid being bitten.

Singapore – Dengue Fever

Authorities in Singapore are also reporting high levels of Dengue Fever with almost 500 people being infected each week with almost 13,000 cases reported since the start of the year. Travellers visiting Singapore are advised to ensure that they are practising mosquito avoidance measures including using insect repellent and coving up areas of exposed skin.

West Africa – Ebola Outbreak

The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa continues to be a significant regional and global health issues. Information regarding the spread of the disease vary widely and travellers to any of the areas that are affected are reminded to keep up-to-date with travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Measures to prevent the spread of the disease is also rapidly changing such as some airlines not flying into the region, increased boarder checks and quarantine powers to hold ships and aircraft suspected of carrying people infected with the disease.

Malaysia – Japanese Encephalitis

Three cases of Japanese Encephalitis have been reported in the Penang state of Malaysia. Japanese Encephalitis, which is spread by mosquitoes, is a potentially life threatening disease which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. A vaccination is available for travellers planning to visit areas of high risk. It is also advised to take mosquito avoidance measures such as wearing insect repellent and coving areas of exposed skin.

India – Japanese Encephalitis

More than 300 people have died over the past few weeks in the Assam and West Bengal districts in India after being infected with Japanese Encephalitis. Of the 300 to have died, 140 have developed the severe form of the disease. The high death rate is also caused by a lack of healthcare facilities in the region.

Thailand – Civil Unrest

Travellers to Thailand are advised to keep up-to-date with advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) regarding the recent and ongoing civil unrest across the country. Since 22 May 2014, martial law has been in force throughout the county. The FCO is currently advising against all but essential travel to the provinces on the Thailand Malaysian boarder of Songkhla, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala as well as a Krabey/Ta Moan temple region near the Thailand / Cambodian border.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

There is currently a worldwide shortage of the Yellow Fever Vaccination, however as a specialist travel vaccination clinic we have secured supplies during this period. If you are travelling to a region in South America or Central Africa which requires a Yellow Fever Vaccination, please contact us to find out when we will be holding our next Yellow Fever clinic so that you can get vaccinated and on your way.