London Travel Vaccination Clinic – Daily Update 21 May 2014

Daily Update 21 May 2014 from Destination Health: Travel Vaccination Clinic in London.

Guinea

The government in Guinea is planning to start a vaccination campaign to protect three million people against Meningitis to help stop the spread of the disease which is threatening the population. About 500 cases of Meningitis have been recorded recently, resulting in 10 deaths.

Brazil

A recent survey conducted by authorities show that there are 14 districts around Manaus in Brazil which are currently considered high risk of Dengue Fever. Manaus is one of the cities hosting this summers Football World Cup. Authorities have also issued a high warning for three other venue cities: Natal, Fortaleza, and Recife.

In the last decade, Brazil has recorded the most cases of Dengue Fever anywhere in the world. About a million visitors are expected at this years World Cup. Travellers are advised to practice mosquito avoidance measures by covering exposed skin and using insect repellant.

Dominican Republic

Since the Chikungunya Virus Outbreak began at the start of April, there have been over 30,000 cases of the illness reported – which is around 10% of all households in the country. The outbreak is spreading rapidly throughout the region. Chikungunya Virus causes flu-like symptoms and severe joint and muscle pain. There is currently no vaccination against the disease and travellers are advised to avoid getting bitten by the mostly daytime biting mosquito by covering exposed skin and using insect repellant.

India

Another case of Dengue Fever has been confirmed in the city of Ranchi, Jharkhand State in India. Dengue Fever is most common in India in the months following the monsoon. Dengue Fever is also known as break bone fever and causes severe pain in the joints and muscles of those infected with the disease. Most people recover within a week or so, however some people can develop the more severe form of the disease which in some cases can be fatal. There is no vaccination against this disease and travellers to this region are advised to try and avoid mosquito bites by covering exposed skin and using insect repellant.

South Sudan

The Cholera Outbreak which first started in South Sudan about a week ago is continuing to rapidly spread throughout the region. First starting in Juba it has now spread to Jonglei and Upper Nile. More than 130 cases of the disease are being treated and there have been three deaths. The outbreak has been caused due to unsanitary conditions and overcrowding in camps following the fighting in the area.

Vietnam

So far this year, Vietnam has reported a number of deaths from Rabies across the county, including two recently in Hanoi. Last year there were 90 deaths from this disease and 131 the year before. Travellers to this region are advised to consider a vaccination against this disease which has a 100% fatality rate amongst those that contract the disease. The rabies vaccination is given as a course of three injections over the course of a number of weeks. Speak to one of our travel nurses at either of or travel clinics in London for further advice should you be considering this vaccination.