Health Department Disease Travel Advice
Whether you are traveling for family vacation, leisure or business trip, it is important that you are well informed on out breaks and the diseases that are endemic in the regions you might be visiting and possible measures you can take reduce the risk of infection or limit exposure to the etiologic agents.
Malaysia – Rabies
Three districts in the Malaysian state of Sarawak have been declared “rabies infectious areas.”
Situation: Over 800 bites by rabid animals have been reported.
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Preventive Measures
- Most wild animals and pets in developing countries are not vaccinated against rabies. Avoid touching wild animals and pets. (Dogs, Monkeys, Bats etc.)
- If your journey will be bringing you in close contact with animals, it is wise to get the pre-exposure rabies vaccine before traveling
Brazil & Peru – Zika
The Zika virus situation in the entire South American region is largely unclear. However, travelers to Brazil and Peru need to take extra precautionary measures against the mosquitoes that spread Zika. Environmental conditions at altitudes greater than 6,500 feet do not allow the mosquitoes that spread Zika to thrive, as such they do not live there.
Preventive Measures
Pregnant women can infect their unborn children leading to major birth defects. As much as possible, they should avoid travel to areas with risk of Zika.
Travelers to Zika endemic areas should
(1) Prevent mosquito bites by using repellant creams and insecticide treated net as much as possible
(2) Avoid unprotected sex while in Zika endemic areas
Sri Lanka – Dengue
The Dengue situation in Sri Lanka has risen to epidemic proportion. Over 100,000 cases of the disease has been reported across the country. There is currently no vaccine or medication available to prevent or treat dengue fever.
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Preventive Measures
Prevent mosquito bites by using repellent creams and treated net as much as possible.
Yemen- Cholera
Twenty-one of the Yemen’s 23 governorates have reported cases of cholera outbreaks in their territories. Over 2,000 deaths and 400,000 cases have been reported. Clean water source is important.
Preventive Measures
Avoid un-hygienically prepared food and wash hands regularly because Cholera is spread through contaminated food and water.
Australia & China (South) – Influenza
The cases of influenza in Australia and South China has continued to rise. All travelers to this region during the influenza season are at similar risk of infection like the local residents.
Preventive Measures
- Avoid crowded places and conditions that increase your exposure.
- Wash your hands frequently and with soap.
- Minimize coughing and sneezing as much as possible.
Nigeria – Lassa fever
Lassa fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through contact with food, water or materials contaminated with rat faeces. Several states have reported confirmed cases of lassa fever in Nigeria. The widespread consumption of bush animals especially rodents has exacerbated the lassa condition in Nigeria. As at the last count, there has been 338 reported cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria in 22 out of the 36 states of the country and 55 deaths.
Preventive Measures
- Avoid crowded places and conditions that increase your exposure.
- Wash your hands frequently and with soap.
- Avoid consumption of rodents
