Current Travel Health News

The health authority of Egypt had notified WHO of a new case of human infection with Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus. The case was a 40 year-old female from Dakahlia Governorate. She developed symptoms on 6 March and died on 15 March. Investigations indicated that the case had exposure to sick backyard poultry.

To date, of the 164 cases confirmed in Egypt, 58 have been fatal.

(Source: WHO 19 March2012)

The Gold Coast, Australia had a dramatic rise in the number of Pertussis (whooping cough) cases reported in 2012. As of 13 February, Queensland health authority reported 876 cases of Pertussis across the state since the beginning of this year. That was almost 200 more cases than the average reported during the same period between 2007 and 2011.

(Source: Promed Mail 16 March 2012)

In Australia, an increase in the number of cases of Ross River Virus had been reported from Western Australia and Tasmania since the end of 2011. Since the beginning of March 2012, several states in Australia had also experienced above average levels of rainfall, resulting in an increase in mosquito activity.

(Source: NaTHNaC 19 March 2012)

[Editor's Note: Ross River Virus infection is transmitted by mosquito. Symptoms include fever, rash and joint pain. While visiting the affected areas during the rainy seasons, travellers should remain vigilant against mosquito bite and carry out anti-mosquito measures.]

The epidemiological bulletin number 9 of the Health Ministry of Venezuela for the week 26 February to 3 March 2012 shows that Bolivar State had an epidemic of Malaria with 876 cases out of the 932 cases reported nationwide. The report also indicates Sifontes municipality of the state recorded the highest number (669) of Malaria cases.

(Source: Promed mail 18 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.

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