Travel Health News
Monthly travel health news about disease outbreaks around the world, from our Lead Nurse JO THOMPSON.
Cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe has declared a state of emergency in the capital Harare over a Cholera outbreak.
- As of 16 October, there were 5,030 suspected Cholera cases, 31 laboratory confirmed deaths, 108 suspected Cholera deaths and 932 laboratory confirmed cases.
- This Cholera outbreak has been fuelled by chronic water shortages.
- Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of faecally contaminated food or water.
- Travellers should maintain safe food and water precautions and use effective hand hygiene.
- There is a vaccination against Cholera that is based on a risk assessment, for humanitarian workers and medical personnel travelling to disaster relief situations where Cholera outbreaks are likely.
- More information on Cholera here.
Zika Virus in India
- Zika Virus has been reported in three Indian states – Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka.
- The Zika Virus infection is spread from daytime-biting mosquitoes.
- All travellers to countries that have reported Zika Virus infection must consider using strict mosquito bite avoidance measures, especially pregnant travellers and those planning pregnancy.
- Zika Virus can cause Congenital Zika Syndrome, with severe consequences for the baby, if the mother is bitten by a mosquito when pregnant.
- More information on Zika Virus here.
Sources: Travel Health Pro, World Health Organisation, Travax, Fit for Travel, ReliefWeb.
