Current Travel Health News

In Japan, the first case of Cholera was reported since 2002. Ten patients developed symptoms after eating sashimi and other food at a Japanese-style restaurant in Saitama Prefecture.

(Source: ProMED-mail 15 April 2008)

In Thailand, 7 413 cases of Dengue Fever including 9 deaths were reported in the country in the first quarter of this year.

In Malaysia, 9 889 cases of Dengue Fever including 26 deaths were reported in the country in the first quarter of this year. Selangor recorded 262 cases, the highest in the country, followed by the capital Kuala Lumpur and the southern state of Johor.

In Singapore, the number of Dengue Fever cases recorded in the first quarter of this year was higher than the same period last year.

(Source: ProMED-mail 14 April 2008)

In Vietnam, the outbreak of acute diarrhoeal disease continued to affect the country. Up to now, over 1 800 cases of diarrhoea were reported. Out of which, 326 cases were diagnosed as Cholera. Most of the cases were reported in Hanoi, Ha Tay, Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa. The government launches a public hygiene drive while cracking down on dirty food stalls and dredging sewage-choked lakes.

In India, around 530 suspected cases of Chikungunya Fever were reported in Karnataka State.

(Source: ProMED-mail 17 April 2008)

In Bahamas, one case of falciparum Malaria was reported in Great Exuma. Two outbreaks of Malaria were reported in the island in the past two years; one in May 2006 and another in August last year.

(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA 17 April 2008)

In Brazil, more than 75 000 cases of Dengue Fever with 83 deaths were reported in Rio de Janeiro State so far this year. In Pernambuco, 317 cases of Dengue Fever and 2 cases of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever including one death were reported so far this year. In Minas Gerais, 9 385 cases of Dengue Fever and 3 cases of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever including 2 deaths were reported so far this year. In Paraiba, 2 882 cases of Dengue Fever and 12 cases of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever with one death were reported so far this year.

(Source: ProMED-mail 14 April 2008)

In Angola, 71 cases of Cholera including 4 deaths have been reported in Tombwa district. Cases have been increasing due to the piles of garbage spread around the city. 1297 cases including 14 deaths were reported in the Southern Huila Province.

In Kenya, nearly 1 300 cases of Cholera with 67 deaths were reported in the country so far this year. Most of the cases were reported in Nyanza Province.

As of 18 April 2008, 1219 suspected cases of Cholera including 13 deaths were reported in the Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The disease has now spread to Oshana and Kunene.

In Somalia, an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease affecting at least 750 people with at least 11 deaths was reported in Sanaag.

In South Africa, 2 cases of Cholera were reported in Gauteng Department.

In Tanzania, an outbreak of Cholera which killed one person was reported in Kilimanjaro.

(Source: ProMED-mail 15 and 18 April 2008)

Egypt reported two new human cases of Avian Influenza. The first victim was a 30-year-old female from Cairo Governorate. She developed symptoms on 2 April and died on 11 April. The second victim was a 2-year-old boy from Sharkea Governorate. He developed symptoms on 13 April and was hospitalized on 14 April. He is currently in hospital. Both victims had contacted sick and dead poultry. Of the 50 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 22 have been fatal.

(Source: ProMED-mail 15 and 17 April 2008)

In Liberia, one confirmed case and one suspected case of Yellow Fever were reported in Nimba County. The confirmed case, a 32 year-old-man, died of the illness while the suspected case has recovered.

(Source: World Health Organization 18 April 2008)

In Madagascar, 418 suspected cases of Rift Valley Fever including 17 deaths were reported in Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra and Anosy Regions. Out of which, 59 cases were confirmed cases.

(Source: World Health Organization 18 April 2008)