Vietnam—As of
June, 2005, The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 3
more cases of avian flu bringing the total to 52 cases with 18
deaths since December, 2004. Although there is no vaccine for
avian flu, a flu shot prior to travel will help with diagnosis.
Travelers should avoid visits to live animal markets and poultry
farms.
Yemen & Indonesia--According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), 71 laboratory confirmed cases of type 1 poliovirus have
been reported from Yemen. This brings the total number of cases
to 179 since the outbreak was first reported on April 22, 2005.
On June 9, 2005, six new polio cases were confirmed in
Indonesia, bringing the total number of cases to 34. Genetic
analysis of the virus demonstrates that its origin is in west
Africa, similar to the viruses which caused the 2003/04
outbreak. Further analysis suggests the virus traveled to
Indonesia through Sudan, and is similar to recently isolated
viruses in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends traveling adults
receive a polio booster dose if they have already had the four
dose regimen as a child.
Dominican Republic—Twenty cases of malaria were reported in
persons who had traveled to resort areas in La Altagracia
Province from November 2004 to January 2005. In response to the
outbreak, CDC recommends taking an antimalarial drug for all
travelers to the two provinces, including resort areas.
Plasmodium falciparum, may rapidly result in a severe,
life-threatening illness if not promptly treated. Antimalarial
drugs should be taken. Repellents should also be used.
India—As of May 26, 2005, 368 cases of meningococcal disease
have been reported in Delhi with 37 deaths. Majority of cases
and all deaths have occurred in young adult population. The
National Institute of Communicable Diseases has demonstrated the
prescense of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A in cerebrospinal
fluid obtained from five cases. Most cases have been reported
from Old Delhi. Vaccination should be considered for all
travelers. Also, as of June 5, 2005 Assam reports an increase in
the number of malaria cases. Prophylaxis and mosquito repellants
should be considered prior to travel.
China—The Ministry of Health of China reports an outbreak of
meningococcal disease in 11 cities in Anhui Province in eastern
China. In 2005 62 cases have been reported with 6 deaths. Most
of the cases are Neisseria meningitides serogroup C. Travelers
should consider immunization with meningitis ACWY vaccine prior
to travel.
Russia—June, 2005--An outbreak of Hepatitis A has been confirmed
in Rzhev. Vaccination prior to travel is imperative.
Fiji & Malaysia—Media sources have reported cases of typhoid
fever throughout both countries. Travelers, especially those
staying in basic accommodations should take typhoid immunization
and extra food and water precautions.
Asia, South Pacific, Caribbean, South/Central America, and
Africa—The geographic distribution of dengue is rapidly
expanding and now includes most tropical countries. Symptoms of
dengue include fever, severe headache, retroorbital eye pain,
joint pain, muscle pain and rash. The risk is greater for people
who spend prolonged periods outdoors during the day, when Aedes
mosquitoes are most active. No vaccine is available for dengue;
however, travelers can further protect themselves by using
insect repellent with DEET. |
