Current Travel Health News

WHO reported that, as of 2 June 2011, 1122 cases of Enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection and 502 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a total of 1624 cases have been reported in 12 countries in Europe. There were 1534 cases reported in Germany alone, with 15 deaths. The majority of these cases had recently visited northern Germany. The cause of the outbreak is still unclear.  WHO does not recommend any trade restrictions related to this outbreak.

WHO recommends normal hygiene measures should be observed, hand washing after toilet use and before touching food. Anyone who has developed bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and who has had contact recently with northern Germany, should seek medical advice urgently.

For updated information, please refer to website of WHO.

(Source: World Health Organization 2 June 2011 and World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe 3 June 2011)

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

Following an incident occurred at a nuclear plant in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan on 12 March 2011, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Fukushima Prefecture and 3 more prefectures (Miyagi Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture and Iwate Prefecture) to Black on 12 March and 15 March respectively. Residents in Hong Kong or Japan are urged to avoid all travel to Fukushima Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture and Iwate Prefecture. Those already in Japan should pay attention to the announcement of local government and take practicable measures to attend to their personal safety.

For more information, please visit the OTA webpage.

(Source: Security Bureau, Government of Hong Kong SAR 12 and 15 March 2011)

Cambodia is now entering Dengue Fever season. Four out of twenty four provinces had reported an outbreak.

(Source: ProMED-mail 23 May 2011)

In Switzerland, since December 2010, 486 cases of Measles have been reported in 20 districts compared with 59 cases in the first 11 months of 2010. One hundred and ninety-five cases were reported for the month of April 2011.

(Source: ProMED-mail 25 May 2011)

As of 20 May 2011, USA has reported a total of 118 cases of Measles in 23 states and New York City, the highest reported number for the same period since 1996.

(Source: ProMED-mail 25 May 2011)

Uganda is investigating 2 suspected fatal cases of Ebola virus infection in Luwero District and another suspected case in Kasese District. One fatal case has been diagnosed with Ebola virus infection so far. The victim was a 12-year-old girl in Luwero District who died on 6 May 2011.

(Source: ProMED-mail 25 and 26 May 2011)

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)