Current Travel Health News
Travel Health News Digest (15 October 2012)
Tunisia: West Nile Virus Infection
On 5 October 2012, the Ministry of Health in Tunisia reported 8 new confirmed human cases of West Nile virus infection, as a result of that, there were a total of 15 confirmed cases in humans in 2012.
(Source: ProMED-mail 12 October 2012)
According to Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, four recent cases of bocavirus infection were detected at the border control points in Shenzhen, Mainland. Bocavirus belongs to the family of parvoviruses and may cause respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis. Children are more susceptible to the infection. Travellers should enhance their personal hygiene and avoid going to the public areas with high dense crowds.
(Source: ProMED-mail 9 October 2012)
On 3 October 2012, Portugal detected the first 2 local cases of dengue fever at Autonomous Region of Madeira. Both cases have no recent travel history.
(Source: NaTHNaC 9 October 2012)
Italy: Meningococcal Meningitis
The Italian Health Ministry reported on 8 October 2012 that a meningococcal meningitis outbreak occurred on board cruise ship MSC Orchestra. Passengers were given antibiotic prophylaxis after 4 crew members abroad were found to have the infection.
(Source: ProMED-mail 9 October 2012)
Since the beginning of 2012, at least 34 483 dengue fever cases were reported in Cambodia, a 166 percent increase compared with the same period in 2011.
(Source: ProMED-mail 7 October 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)
Philippines: Black Travel Alert
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)
WHO FAQs: Japan Nuclear Concerns
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization webpage.