Current Travel Health News

In Darfur, Sudan, outbreak of Yellow fever continued. As of 4 December 2012, a total of 732 suspected cases including 165 deaths have been reported in 33 out of 64 localities in Darfur.

An outbreak of mumps was reported in Asturias, Spain and a total of 150 people were affected. Majority of the cases were reported in Langreo.

According to Health Protection Agency in United Kingdom, activity of Norovirus infection is increasing and the total number of confirmed laboratory reports of norovirus is 64 per cent higher than the same period in the last season.

In northeast area of Melbourne, Australia,3 people were admitted to hospital due to Legionnaires' disease. The local health authority has launched an investigation to identify the source of infection.

In Balochistan, Pakistan,10 cases of poliomyelitis have been caused by the new virus, named Sabin-like type 2 poliovirus. Two children from Afghanistan living close to the border with Pakistan have also developed paralysis due to the infection.

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.

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