Current Travel Health News

The health authority of Egypt had notified WHO of two new cases of human infection with Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus.

The first case was a 2 year-old female from Demiatta Governorate. She developed symptoms on 19 March. She had been receiving treatment and in good medical condition. Investigations indicated that she had exposure to dead backyard poultry.

The second case was a 15 year-old female from Giza Governorate. She developed symptoms on 25 March and died on 31 March.

Of the 166 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 59 have been fatal.

(Source: WHO 2 April 2012)

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia announced a confirmed case of human Avian Influenza (H5N1) infection. The patient was a 6 year-old girl from Kampong Chhnang Province, who developed symptoms on 22 March and died on 30 March. It was reported that the patient had contact with sick or dead poultry prior to onset of illness.

To date, of the 20 cases reported in Cambodia since 2005, 18 have been fatal.

(Source: WHO 5 April 2012)

There was a major outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in Auckland, New Zealand. In the last 6 weeks, 9 cases had been recorded in Auckland.

(Source: ProMED-mail 4 April 2012)

In Uganda, an outbreak of Cholera with at least 8 deaths was reported in Nebbi district. Over 150 people were also admitted in various health units of the district.

(Source: ProMED-mail 2 April 2012)

An outbreak of Mumps affecting 106 people was reported in Girona, northern Spain. The outbreak started in December 2011 and is still ongoing.

(Source: ProMED-mail 31 March 2012)

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)

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