Anthrax in Vietnam Update, October 16th 2014

Daily Travel Health Update 16/10/14 – Anthrax Vietnam, Chikungunya Fever in the Caribbean, Cholera, Ghana, MERS Saudi Arabia, Ebola Update.

Vietnam – Anthrax

There are reports from Vietnam‘s northern province of Ha Giang that nine people cases of anthrax. The cases resulted following the consumption of contaminated meat products. There are no reports of any fatalities so far during this outbreak. Please speak to one of our travel nurses at either of our clinics in London for further information should you be travelling to this area of Vietnam.

Cayman Islands – Chikungunya  Fever

The Chikungunya Fever outbreak has affected many countries across the Caribbean since the outbreak began earlier in the year. The Cayman Islands has reported relatively few cases of this mosquito borne disease, however during the past week, five confirmed cases have been reported, taking the total cases to 25. Most of the cases are suspected to have been imported from people travelling to areas affected in the region including Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Guyana and St. Lucia. Travellers to the region are reminded to try and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by covering up exposed skin and using insect repellant.

British Virgin Islands –  Chikungunya and Dengue Fever

In addition to the reports from the Cayman Islands, authorities in the British Virgin Islands suspect that hundreds of residents and visitors have contracted both Chikungunya and Dengue Fever across the island during the past few months. There is currently an awareness campaign across the island for residents to try and eliminate the breeding grounds of the mosquitoes that transmit these diseases.

Ghana – Cholera Outbreak

Reports from Ghana suggest that over 20,000 people have been affected following a recent Cholera Outbreak across ten regions in the country. It is also reported that around 170 people have died after contracting the disease. It is understood to be the worst outbreak in the country for over ten years. Cholera is caused by drinking contaminated water that has been infected by sewerage, due to unsanitary conditions. It causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting in those infected with the disease which can lead to severe dehydration. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal. A travel vaccination is available. Should you be travelling to this region, please speak to one of our nurses at either of our London travel clinics for further advice.

Saudi Arabia – Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome

The Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome continues to be a public health issue in the Middle East.  Over the past week, an additional 7 cases of the disease have been tested and confirmed, including one fatality. Globally, there have been over 800 cases and 315 fatalities since the outbreak began in the region earlier in the year.

West Africa – Ebola

This is a significant global health issue which is currently being reported as a major news item on most news outlets. Should you be travelling to any of the countries that are effected with this outbreak in West Africa, please ensure that you are up-to-date with the most recent travel advice. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is publishing travel advice to countries in the region including Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone on a regular basis.