Emerging Diseases – TravelBug Health

South America Travel Health Alerts in 2025: Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Pertussis & More

TravelBug Health — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:10:23 +0000

Important Travel Health and Security Alerts for Travel to South America

South America continues to attract tourists with its breathtaking natural wonders like the Amazon and Patagonia, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventure opportunities from Machu Picchu to the Galápagos Islands. However, there are many current travel alerts and disease outbreaks in the region that we at TravelBug Health believe travelers need to be aware of.

Widespread Increase in Yellow Fever Activity

Yellow fever is historically endemic in the Amazon region, but recent cases and deaths have increased significantly in Colombia and Peru (east of the Andes). Yellow fever activity is also on the rise in Brazil, particularly in Pará and São Paulo states.
A yellow fever vaccine, administered at least 10 days prior to travel, provides excellent and lifelong protection.

Ecuador – Yellow Fever Vaccine Now Required for Some Travelers

Ecuador has reported its first locally acquired cases of yellow fever since 2017. Due to increased regional activity, effective May 12, 2025, Ecuador now requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers arriving from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to entry.
Proof of vaccination can be obtained at a certified yellow fever clinic such as TravelBug Health.

Colombia – Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Public Travel

Starting April 24, 2025, certified proof of yellow fever vaccination (administered at least 10 days prior) will be required by companies providing public transportation services, including road and river transport.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry into all national parks in Colombia.

Brazil – Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Zika, and Oropouche Fever

Yellow fever is widespread in Brazil, with significantly increased activity in Pará and São Paulo states.
Brazil has reported nearly 213,000 cases of chikungunya so far in 2025, including 75 deaths, the highest number worldwide. Two highly effective vaccines for chikungunya are now licensed in the U.S., and both are available in-stock at TravelBug Health. Diligent insect bite precautions are also critical.
Brazil’s Ministry of Health reports approximately 3,600 cases of Oropouche fever, a two-fold increase over average rates. Most cases are in Espírito Santo (>1,200) and Rio de Janeiro (>1,100). Oropouche fever is transmitted by biting insects called midges and poses particular risk to pregnant women. Risk of acquiring Oropouche fever is reduced by practicing insect bite precautions. There is no vaccine available.
Over 1,300 Zika virus infections have been reported in Mato Grosso state since January 2025, also posing risk to pregnant women. Zika is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day and live in close proximity to humans.

Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru – Increased Pertussis

Ecuador reports a 13-fold increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases over typical rates. Similar outbreaks are occurring in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
All travelers should receive a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster if it has been more than 2–3 years since their last dose.

Argentina – Typhoid in Greater Buenos Aires and Increased Measles Circulation

Argentina is experiencing increased measles activity, with both local and widespread outbreaks. All US travelers born after 1957 should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine. Infants under 12 months may require an early dose.
A significant rise in typhoid cases is reported in the Greater Buenos Aires area, likely linked to unsafe drinking water. Typhoid vaccination is recommended, along with strict food and water precautions and diligent hand hygiene.

Peru – State of Emergency Continues

Travelers to the Lima and Callao regions should remain alert and expect a visible presence of heavily armed security forces. Stay updated via local media and follow instructions from authorities. Carry a fully charged smartphone, avoid crowds or demonstrations, and consult your tour company if needed.

Plan Ahead

Even with the travel health alerts outlined above, we’re not suggesting you cancel or postpone your trip—unless you’re at high risk, such as being pregnant. Most of these health threats are preventable with the right precautions and immunizations. We want you to feel excited about your adventure, but as you plan your itinerary, be sure to visit a certified travel health clinic. At TravelBug Health, we stay up to date on global health developments and provide the vaccines, medications, and expert guidance you need to stay safe and healthy while traveling abroad. We have the expertise to discuss with you the various risks in the context of your own health, itinerary and risk tolerance.

Now Go Explore, but do it wisely.

The post South America Travel Health Alerts in 2025: Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Pertussis & More appeared first on TravelBug Health.

What You Need To Know About the Mpox Outbreak in Africa

TravelBug Health — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:35:56 +0000

On August 14, 2024, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of Mpox in Africa to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the same level of alert issued for the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2023. News of the outbreak has quickly spread throughout mainstream and social media and has raised concern in the population.

Read today’s Bug’s Blog to learn what you need to know about the current Mpox outbreak in Africa and hopefully put your mind at ease.

What is Mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a highly contagious infection caused by the monkeypox virus which is related to smallpox. Mpox was first discovered in 1958 and is endemic (native) to Central Africa, primarily found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Why Did the WHO Declare a Public Health Emergency?

Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is the highest level of alert that can be issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO last declared a PHEIC for a global Mpox outbreak in 2022-2023, which included thousands of cases in the US.

The current alert was prompted by the rapid spread of Mpox with over 16,800 cases reported in the DRC since January 2024. The outbreak includes a more dangerous strain, Clade I, which has a higher fatality rate. The disease has also spread to neighboring countries and a few cases outside Africa.

Symptoms and Transmission of Mpox

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and a blistering rash that often starts on the face. Mpox spreads through close contact with infected animals or humans, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials. Immunocompromised individuals and the very young are more likely to have a severe or life threatening infection.

The global outbreak in 2022 was primarily sexually transmitted among men who have sex with men and close contacts of infected people. Currently, transmission in Africa is occurring more frequently from close contact without sexual activity and within households. There is continued risk from contact with bush meat and infected animals.

Risk and Prevention for Travelers to Africa

For most short-term travelers on safari trips, the risk of Mpox remains low. Despite the large number of cases in the DRC, there have been relatively few cases in surrounding countries that are popular tourist destinations.

Travelers should avoid sexual or close contact with infected persons, handling bush meat, and contact with rodents or other infected animals. The Jynneos vaccine, available through county health departments in the U.S., provides protection against Mpox and is recommended for those in high-risk groups.

Will Mpox Become a Widespread Pandemic Like COVID-19?

Very Unlikely. Mpox does have the potential for further spread, but transmission remains mostly through intimate and close contact, unlike COVID-19 which is easily transmitted through the air. More than a million people in the US have already been vaccinated against Mpox and the members of the high-risk community I’ve encountered are more educated and prepared.

What Does TravelBug Say About Mpox?

For now, there’s no need to panic.
Stay cautious and practice safe behaviors, especially when traveling abroad.
Mpox remains a serious threat in Africa where the virus is endemic and the population has less access to medical resources including vaccines, but Mpox is unlikely to cause global disruption like COVID-19.
Get vaccinated for Mpox if you are at high risk.
Seek out reliable medical information and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.

Go. Explore.

The post What You Need To Know About the Mpox Outbreak in Africa appeared first on TravelBug Health.

Could H5N1 Bird Flu Become the Next Pandemic? -TravelBug Health

TravelBug Health — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:02:04 +0000

No one will soon forget the recent COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted world travel, upended economies, and caused the deaths of millions. Now, another virus, H5N1 Bird Flu, is becoming a concern due to its high mortality rate in humans. Known as avian influenza, H5N1 primarily affects birds but has sporadically infected humans, raising concerns about its pandemic potential. Could H5N1 Bird Flu Be the Next Pandemic? Join the TravelBug as we explore the history and nature of flu pandemics and examine the threat level of the current bird flu outbreak.

How Common is the Flu?

Influenza, or the flu, remains the most common vaccine-preventable disease in the world. On average, an estimated 1 billion people worldwide are infected with the flu each year. Millions experience severe illness, and the global death toll from seasonal influenza-related respiratory diseases ranges between 290,000 and 650,000 annually.

What Causes the Flu?

The common flu, or influenza, is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread through airborne transmission or close contact between people. We are most familiar with the strains that affect humans every flu season.

What Makes the Flu Dangerous?

The seriousness of a flu virus mainly depends on two characteristics:

Contagiousness – how easily it spreads from person to person.
Virulence – how likely it is to cause severe illness or death.

Scientists constantly monitor the genetic makeup of flu viruses because they regularly mutate, which can make them more (or less) contagious or virulent.

Can Influenza Cause a Pandemic Like COVID-19?

Yes, it potentially can. Occasionally, a new mutation of the virus can evolve into a novel (new) strain. This can pose an increased risk to the general population, which may lack immunity from prior exposure or infection. If a novel strain is contagious enough, it can result in a pandemic, which is characterized by the global spread of human-to-human transmission.

How Serious is an Influenza Pandemic?

One of the worst flu pandemics in modern history was the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919. It infected up to one-third of the world’s population and killed an estimated 50-100 million people, far more than those who died in the First World War that had just ended.

A more recent influenza pandemic was the 2009 H1N1 “swine flu” outbreak, which spread worldwide and was particularly deadly as it targeted young, healthy people instead of the very young or elderly.

What is H5N1 Bird Flu?

The influenza virus can infect species other than humans. Wild birds, especially waterfowl like ducks and geese, are natural reservoirs for influenza viruses. Influenza in birds is called avian influenza, often known as “bird flu.” Domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys are also highly susceptible. Scientists routinely monitor bird populations for evidence of new influenza strains.

H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza virus which was first identified in 2003 and causes highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds. Since 2022, several outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu have killed millions of birds worldwide. As of July 26, 2024 H5N1 has now affected over 100 million birds in commercial poultry flocks in 48 US states.

Recently, the same avian flu has devastated populations of certain mammals. Along the coasts of North and South America, avian flu has killed tens of thousands of marine mammals, mostly sea lions, leaving beaches littered with carcasses. Since March 2024, bird flu has also been detected in herds of dairy cattle, particularly in Texas and Kansas, and their milk. As of July 26, 2024, H5N1 has affected 171 dairy cattle herds in 13 US states.

Is Bird Flu Dangerous to Humans?

Yes, but not commonly. The H5N1 virus primarily infects animals, but nearly 900 human infections have been reported since 2003. What concerns public health specialists is that about 60% of H5N1 infections in humans were fatal, making it one of the deadliest viral infections in humans. People who work closely with animals, such as dairy and poultry workers, are at the highest risk. Since 2022,14 poultry and dairy workers have been infected with H5N1, exhibiting only minor, non-life-threatening symptoms.

Could H5N1 Bird Flu Be the Next Pandemic Like COVID-19?

The likelihood of H5N1 bird flu becoming a human pandemic is a concern among epidemiologists but is currently considered relatively low. Most human cases have been linked to direct contact with infected birds, and there has not been sustained human-to-human transmission, which is necessary for a pandemic. With the global chicken population around 34 billion (compared to 8 billion humans), the risk remains significant.

Pigs are known carriers of both human and avian influenza and present a good mixing vessel for the viruses to mutate by exchanging genetic material. As more bird populations become infected, the risk of transmission to mammals, including humans, increases.

What is Being Done to Prepare for a Possible H5N1 Bird Flu Pandemic?

Health experts worldwide have monitored H5N1 closely for years due to its potential to mutate and spread more easily among humans. While no H5N1 vaccine is commercially available to the public, several million doses are in the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile. Vaccine manufacturers have several vaccine candidates ready to ramp up manufacturing if necessary.

Is There a Treatment Available for H5N1 Bird Flu?

There is no medication to eliminate the virus, but antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), can reduce the severity of the infection. These are also kept in the Strategic National Stockpile.

What Can I Do to Prevent Getting H5N1 Bird Flu?

The CDC recommends avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds, poultry, or other animals, including wild or domesticated animals. You should also avoid consuming raw dairy products (including unpasteurized milk) or undercooked meat from potentially infected herds.

Where Can I Find More Information About H5N1?

To stay updated with information about the global status of Avian Influenza, always consult reputable health organizations, and stay tuned to TravelBug Health. We are committed to keeping you informed about emerging diseases and health concerns around the world.

Enjoy your summer, always travel safe, and “don’t mess with chickens”.

– The TravelBug

The post Could H5N1 Bird Flu Become the Next Pandemic? -TravelBug Health appeared first on TravelBug Health.

Do I Still Need a COVID-19 Test or Vaccination to Travel?

TravelBug Health — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 20:54:01 +0000

Our team at TravelBug Health simplifies the complex and changing international travel rules. We’ve compiled the latest COVID-19 test and vaccination requirements to answer, “Do I Still Need a COVID-19 Test or Vaccination?”

Travel to most of the world has been limited in some form or another since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, with more widespread vaccination and waning disease patterns, the world is starting to open again to unrestricted travel.

2022 was the year that COVID-19 related restrictions were relaxed or eliminated in much of the world, allowing a flood of pent-up travel demand around the globe.

So, do I still need a COVID-19 test or vaccination to travel? Well, that depends – on your destination, your citizenship, reason for travel, current vaccination (and booster) status, and age among other things. Also keep in mind that the world is a big place and rules change quickly. The regulations in effect today may not be applicable in the upcoming weeks and months.

How important is COVID-19 vaccination to be able to travel?

Your COVID-19 vaccination status remains the single biggest factor that determines whether you are able to travel unrestricted. Most countries have lifted the requirements for a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, but many still require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. A few countries remain closed to all non-vaccinated foreign travelers (you may be surprised to find out which ones).

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?

Many countries require proof that you are “fully vaccinated”. What it takes to meet this requirement varies from country to country. Usually, it means having received at least a full primary series of a World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccine. In North America, this is 2 doses of the Pfizer® or Moderna® mRNA vaccines or one dose of the Janssen® (J&J) viral vector vaccine. Other brands of vaccines (such as the Sinopharm® vaccine from China) may be approved in other countries but not available in North America. Some countries (Japan for example) also require an up-to-date booster shot which usually means a total of 3 vaccines. Some countries even require that your last documented vaccine dose must be within a certain number of days of your departure.

In the US, your CDC issued white COVID-19 vaccine card remains the standard proof of vaccination. Some countries have online portals to upload images of your vaccine card. Some areas in the world (such as the EU – European Union) issue universal digital health certificates.

Don’t the airlines check your proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test?

Unless you are getting on a ship, traveling internationally usually involves boarding a plane. The airline check-in agents are the ones who are responsible for verifying your eligibility before you can depart for your international destination. If you are having trouble figuring out if you need proof of a negative test or vaccination, a knowledgeable airline agent should be able to provide the final word. Unfortunately, it’s hard to reach the airlines on the phone these days and I’ve even suggested to some travelers that they drive to the airport and talk to an agent in person at the check-in counter.

How do I check COVID-19 travel requirements for myself?

Existing rules can change at any time. Always check for any COVID-19 travel requirements before you finalize your travel arrangements. I recommend doing an internet search using the search phrase: “(name of the country) COVID-19 entry requirements” Go straight to the website sponsored by the country’s government. It is often the country’s foreign office or official tourist bureau and usually has a URL that ends in the name of the country. For example, the site for Germany is https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/. The government sites will usually have the most up to date official information.

The US state department website will often show up in your search. Their information is usually accurate but may not always be current. Their bias is towards entry requirements for the US and recommendations posted for other countries are second hand.

Be prepared to read the rules carefully. Regulations may be straightforward but can often be complicated.

Do I need a COVID-19 test or vaccine to go on a cruise?

The cruise industry was hit particularly hard by COVID-19. It is one of the last to begin recovering their bookings to pre-pandemic levels.
The CDC first dropped its general warning against cruise ship travel in March 2022 and recently removed its online monitoring of onboard COVID-19 cases. Testing and vaccination requirements vary widely among the various cruise lines. Many cruise lines still require all crew and passengers to show proof of vaccination. Sometimes this can depend on the length of the cruise.
It’s best to enquire directly with your travel agent or cruise line about any current guidelines.

Remember, a cruise ship is a closed environment; more vaccinations reduce the chance of an onboard outbreak.

Are there any other reasons I may need a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 test to travel?

Regardless of international regulations, individual tour companies, cruise lines or other organizations may have their own requirements that you need to follow. Some tour operators and cruise lines still offer “vaccinated only” trips that provide travelers with an extra level of reassurance. Always check directly with your tour operator to find out if they have any requirements.

Should I still get a COVID-19 test before I travel, even if it’s not required?

Even if not required, it’s a good idea to get a routine COVID-19 test at least several days prior to your trip. Some of our patients do it to reassure themselves that they won’t infect anyone while they are traveling. Infections with the new omicron variant can be asymptomatic, so a negative test also helps to assure that you won’t have to change your reservations or cancel your trip at the last minute.

So, what are the requirements for your travel destination? Let’s start close to home:

Are COVID-19 restrictions still in effect for entry to Canada?

What about going to visit our friendly neighbors to the North? On October 1, 2022 Canada lifted all COVID-19-related border requirements. Visitors, including Americans no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative pre travel COVID-19 test. Registration on the ArriveCAN app is no longer mandatory but is still recommended as it can save you processing time when going through customs after arrival in Canada’s larger international airports.

This is good news for cruisers as all testing and vaccine requirements have also been removed for cruise ships that leave or disembark in Canadian waters.

Masks are encouraged, but no longer required, when travelling by air, train or public transit within Canada. Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises.

The United States still requires foreign travelers to be fully vaccinated.

Effective June 12, 2022, the US CDC rescinded its order requiring all foreign air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test or recovery documentation. However, the US still requires all non-immigrant, non-US citizen air travelers to be fully vaccinated before boarding any aircraft to the US. If you’re 18 or older and not a US citizen, national, or permanent resident, ensure you have a COVID-19 vaccine before leaving, or you won’t be allowed back in.

The requirement for non-U.S. travelers to show proof of vaccination also includes those seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the Caribbean?

Island nations have typically been extra cautious during the pandemic to protect their isolated geography and often limited health care resources.

Bermuda plans to lift their COVID-19 restrictions on Oct 25, 2022 but until then still requires non-residents and those above 2 years of age to have a negative COVID-19 test at most 2 days before arrival.

As of Sept. 20, 2022 The Bahamas have eliminated their COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for entering the country. Most of the remaining Caribbean islands have already lifted their restrictions and testing requirements.

As of Oct. 15, 2022 the island of Sint Maarten requires visitors to show proof of vaccination, including a booster dose. Non-residents who are not fully vaccinated are required to submit a negative 24 hr. antigen or 48 hr. PCR result. Travel insurance is now optional for visitors.

What about COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for the rest of the Americas?

Brazil continues to require proof of vaccination, or a valid negative COVID-19 test undertaken one day prior to travel.

Honduras, Paraguay, Ecuador and Venezuela require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for all unvaccinated travelers. Panama recently lifted their strict entry requirements.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Mexico has not implemented any vaccination or testing requirements for entry.

Are there any Covid Test or Vaccination Requirements for travel to the European Union (EU)?

Due to recent EU regulation changes, The Netherlands, France, Malta, Portugal, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Cyprus, Austria, and Greece no longer have COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, many countries still require masks on public transportation.

Travelers to Spain from outside the EU and Schengen Area, including Great Britain, must present proof of vaccination, a recovery certificate, or a negative test. This rule is extended until November 15, 2022, but filling out a Spanish health form is no longer required.

Can I travel to China?

(updated Dec. 9, 2022) China continues to maintain some of the strictest travel restrictions in the world. Entry visas remain difficult to obtain.

However, the Chinese government has recently begun to back down from its strict “zero COVID-19” policy. As of November 11 2022, China has shortened mandatory quarantine requirements for international arrivals, and now requires only one negative PCR test within 48 hours before boarding.

TravelBug Health is registered with the Chinese Consulate (we were designated as the official testing site in Arizona for the Beijing Olympics) and our COVID-19 tests meet all the requirements for travel to China.

Can I travel to Taiwan or Hong Kong?

As of October 13, 2022, Taiwan has fully reopened to foreign tourists after over two years of strict COVID-19 border restrictions. Visitors are no longer required to quarantine or take PCR tests. Instead, they must test negative on a rapid antigen test upon arrival and monitor their health for a week.

Since September 26, 2022, international arrivals to Hong Kong can self-monitor at home for three days instead of centralized hotel quarantine. Passengers must take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test before departure. Once in Hong Kong, they are subjected to regular PCR testing and temporary restrictions at some locations.

What COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect for travel to Japan?

Japan has gradually lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions due to pressure from the tourism industry and an economy affected by the pandemic. Broad testing requirements for all travelers were removed on September 4, 2022. As of October 11, self-isolation is no longer required, and many visa restrictions have been lifted.

Japan still requires travelers to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 3 doses) OR a qualifying negative PCR test done within 72 hours of final departure. A “special format” Japan Ministry form must also be correctly completed and submitted. TravelBug Health is registered with the Japan consulate as a trusted testing partner and can provide the proper test. We also complete the necessary forms to comply with strict Japanese standards.

What other countries require COVID-19 vaccination for entry?

Non-UAE nationals traveling to The UAE (United Arab Emirates) still require proof of vaccination or a negative certificate for a COVID-19 PCR test performed no more than 48 hours before departure which must include a QR code. Travelers originating from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh or Egypt must meet even further requirements.

As of this writing, unvaccinated foreign nationals are not allowed admission into the Philippines. Fully vaccinated foreign nationals with a booster no longer need a negative RT-PCR test if they present proof of vaccination and a passport valid for 6 months.

The Top 5 Reasons to get a COVID-19 Vaccination Prior to Travel:

To not get sick. Being protected with a vaccine reduces your chance of becoming ill, both while traveling and afterwards. Missing a week of work due to illness is an inconvenience, but getting sick or hospitalized abroad can ruin your trip.
Avoid the hassles. Carrying proof of vaccination helps avoid COVID-19 tests, quarantines, and restrictions, preventing potential travel disruptions.
Protect the people you care about. Know that you are protecting your family and loved ones at home, your traveling companions and your community. Help to protect your elders and the immune compromised, who are especially susceptible and more likely to become seriously ill or die.
Help preserve the future of travel for yourself and others. Getting vaccinated helps to protect the hardworking travel industry workers as well as the welcoming people at your destination. Staying healthy also avoids burdening the health care systems of other countries that may already be strained for resources. Besides, isn’t your goal to have such a great worry-free trip that you should already be planning your next one?
PEACE OF MIND – see numbers 1 through 4. Cross Get Vaccinated off your list. Knowing that you are protected frees up your mind to focus on enjoying the amazing experiences of visiting someplace new.

What else should I do prior to planning a trip overseas?

It’s easy to focus on how COVID-19 may affect your travel after hearing nothing but pandemic news for so long. Don’t overlook the basic preparations and precautions that should go along with planning any international travel. Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months, as US passport applications are backlogged for months. Run through your international travel checklist. Finally, check with your Travel Health Specialist to find out ion how you can protect yourself while traveling.

The travel health experts stay updated on global COVID-19 and travel health requirements to answer, “Do I Still Need a COVID-19 Test or Vaccination to Travel?” and more. We want you to stay informed, be prepared and travel safely. Call us at 480-435-2774 if you have any questions about COVID-19 visit, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/covid19, to stay up-to-date.

TravelBug’s on-site lab offers both PCR and rapid antigen testing for travel. We guarantee rapid turnaround, and our reports meet the requirements for every destination in the world. We are registered with both the Japanese and Chinese consulates as their official designated testing site in Arizona.

Go. Explore the world and rekindle that sense of adventure that’s been suppressed for the last few years.

The post Do I Still Need a COVID-19 Test or Vaccination to Travel? appeared first on TravelBug Health.

Canada updates COVID-19 Testing Protocols for Entry

TravelBug Health — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 17:21:16 +0000

Expanded Testing Options for Entry to Canada

As of today February 28, 2022, the Canadian government has expanded the options for COVID-19 testing to enter Canada. Now, a PCR test or a Rapid Antigen test is acceptable for entry.

Testing Requirements for Canadian Citizens and Vaccinated Foreign Nationals

Canadian citizens or vaccinated foreign nationals are still required to show proof of a COVID-19 test before boarding a flight to Canada or crossing the border via land or water.

Accepted Test Results for Entry

All travelers 5 years of age or older must provide proof of one of the following accepted types of test results:

Negative PCR molecular test collected within 72 hours of departure or border crossing.
Starting February 28: proof of a professionally administered or observed antigen test taken outside of Canada no more than 1 day before your scheduled flight or entry to Canada by land or water. For example, a rapid antigen test performed any time the day prior to your departure or border crossing is considered valid.
Previous positive molecular test result: provided you no longer have symptoms and show proof of a positive (PCR) molecular test taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before entering Canada. Counting starts the day after your test.

A Positive Outlook on Global Travel

We are delighted to see global travel slowly returning as many countries around the world are starting to ease their entry restrictions. Since the start of the pandemic, TravelBug Health has provided COVID-19 testing to over 1500 travelers to Canada.

Convenient COVID-19 Testing Services at TravelBug Health

We do provide the rapid antigen test as well as the PCR test. Our lab is registered with the Canadian Border Security Agency and our tests meet all the government requirements. Testing is drive up and you don’t even have to get out of your car. We provide you with the result of your rapid antigen test within 30 minutes.

Schedule Your COVID-19 Test with TravelBug Health

Give us a call at (480) 435-2774 and we’ll get you scheduled for an appointment. Enjoy our sunny Arizona weather if you’re here. If you’re still in Canada, we hope the spring thaw is not too far away.

– The Team at TravelBug Health

The post Canada updates COVID-19 Testing Protocols for Entry appeared first on TravelBug Health.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update: What you need to know

TravelBug Health — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 17:18:20 +0000

The World Health Organization (WHO) finally confirmed this week that COVID-19 is a global pandemic. The number of people affected worldwide is increasing rapidly. Should you be alarmed? I have been following the global health experts daily and here’s what you need to know:

Worldwide status and forecast

COVID-19 is now present in well over 100 countries. The peak of the outbreak in China, where it started, now appears to be past, but cases are quickly accelerating worldwide. Though I am a stolid optimist, it is clear that the situation will get much worse before it improves. Epidemiologic models predict that the peak of the worldwide epidemic may not occur until late April or May 2020.

How dangerous is COVID-19?

Potentially very dangerous for certain groups of people. Data from China shows that about 80% of people infected will exhibit minor illness, 15% will have severe disease and 5% will be critical. COVID-19 is clearly more dangerous in the elderly. In China, deaths ranged from 0.2 % or less in those under 40 years of age to almost 15% in those over 80 years old. Deaths have also been higher in those having other medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease.

Infectious disease specialists use the term Case Fatality Rate (or CFR) to calculate the percentage of people who get a disease that will die. So far, this number has been difficult to pin down for two main reasons. First, the definition of who is suspected of being infected (known as a case) varies from country to country and even changes as the disease spreads. Second, many people infected with COVID-19 may not have symptoms or seek testing and so the true number of total infected individuals can only be determined with widespread, population based testing. Data thus far shows the CFR for COVID-19 to be in the range of at least 1% which means that 1 or more out of 100 people infected will die of the disease. The WHO has suggested it may be as high as 3.4%. Keep in mind that these numbers reflect the estimated death rate over an entire population. CFRs vary widely depending on circumstances of transmission and care and resources available.

How does Coronavirus compare with the flu?

The CDC estimates that so far this season in the US there have been at least 32 million flu illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from the flu. Historically in the US, approximately 0.1% of people infected with seasonal influenza (the flu) will die. That makes COVID-19 potentially at least 10 times more lethal than the flu.

Scientists measure the contagiousness of a disease by it’s reproductive number, known as R0 and pronounced “R naught”. R0 represents the number of additional people an individual with the disease could spread it to. The R0 for seasonal flu is consistently about 1.5. Extensive data so far estimates the R0 for COVID-19 to be in the range of 2 to 2.5.

Symptoms of both COVID-19 and the flu include fever, cough, runny nose and shortness of breath. Both can lead to complications, including pneumonia and death. We have antiviral medications that can lessen the severity of the flu, but no proven treatment is yet available for COVID-19. Nine different vaccines to prevent influenza are currently approved for use in the US. A widely available vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is estimated to be at least 12 – 18 months away.

How is the virus spread?

Per the CDC, COVID-19 is spread mainly from person-to-person; between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching an infected surface or object and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. No case of COVID-19 has been attributed to transmission on an aircraft thus far.

The incubation period (the period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms) is 2 to 5 days on average, but can be up to 14 days. Evidence suggests that the virus can be spread by individuals who are infected but not showing any symptoms, but asymptomatic transmission is likely a rare occurrence and not a major driver of the epidemic.

What can I do to prevent getting COVID-19?

Make sure you have had your flu shot for this season (everyone over the age of 6 months), since the symptoms of influenza are indistinguishable from those of COVID-19 infection. Also ensure you are up to date with your pneumonia vaccines if you are over 65 or have other chronic illnesses.
Avoid close contact (less than 6 feet proximity) with people who are obviously sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds). If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol based sanitizer.
Avoid touching unwashed hands to your face, eyes, nose and mouth (even if you are wearing a mask).
Stay home when you are sick. If you have a cough, practice “cough etiquette”. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or cover your mouth with a tissue and dispose of it immediately.
Avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces in public areas and consider wiping down frequently used surfaces with a disinfecting wipe.

What does it look like for the U.S.?

Listening to my colleagues in Asia, it became very clear to me how far behind the curve we are in this country in dealing with a national health emergency. The true extent of infection and spread of COVID-19 in the US is essentially unknown because widespread population testing is still not readily available.

By comparison, South Korea (the current focus of a large outbreak) has performed 4,099 COVID-19 tests per million of population. As of March 10, the number of tests performed in the US was 26 per million. Hong Kong and Singapore are both very densely populated centers of international travel and exchange that undertook a systematic government-led approach very early in their disease cycle and were able to limit cases to only a few hundred. Singapore has had no deaths to date.

A genetic analysis of the virus in Washington State, where most of the deaths in the US have occurred, suggested that the illness could have been spreading within the community for as long as six weeks before the first case was detected. Measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the US have only started in earnest this week.

What if I have upcoming travel plans?

The situation remains very fluid, and regulations and travel restrictions are changing every day. Many countries are instituting mandatory 14-day quarantines for incoming travelers, which can make short term trips unfeasible. Some regions and land borders have closed in an effort to quell the outbreak. Large gatherings around the world are being cancelled. Many travelers and tour companies have already canceled or are postponing travel plans until the full effects of the pandemic become clearer.

TravelBug Health remains committed to providing you with factual, evidence based information. Call to schedule a consultation for more destination specific information or for peace of mind, especially if you are over 60 or have other health issues. We have access to published travel advisories and restrictions updated on a daily basis, which can help you plan.

Most vaccines are valid for several years, or provide lifetime immunity, so there is no reason to delay an appointment with us if you have plans for later in the year.

And finally…

The world is still in the early stages of this rapidly evolving pandemic. Trends will become clearer as more data becomes available. It’s hard to find the good news in all of this, but for the average healthy person the danger from COVID-19 is small and there is no reason to panic. Despite reports of hoarding, there are no conceivable threats to our supply of toilet paper in the near future. As with any crisis, “this too shall pass” and at some point we will be able to return to the unrestricted travel and social interaction that adds joy and flavor to our lives.

In the meantime, we can reduce the risk to ourselves and our loved ones with social distancing, and especially look out for our elders who are at greatest risk. Support your immune system – which is all you have to fight the disease – with exercise, plenty of sleep and healthy food. Turn a potential disruption to your normal routine into an opportunity to shed some of your life’s stresses and stay tuned…

Trivia of the day : The now deserted streets and waterways of Venice, Italy are home to the origin of the word “quarantine”, which comes from the 14th century Venetian dialect meaning “40 days”, which was the length of time incoming ships were isolated off-shore to prevent the spread of the Plague.

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Novel Coronavirus Outbreak: What you need to know

TravelBug Health — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:16:03 +0000

The recent outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (designated 2019-nCoV) has exploded in the last several days.

What is Novel Coronavirus? The CDC and world health organizations are closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (not seen before) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in early December, 2019. The growing epidemic centers around a densely populated area (close to 20 million people in a cluster of 3 cities) in central China which is also a major manufacturing and transportation hub. The timing of the outbreak also coincided with the Chinese New Year, which is the peak travel season in China.

2019 Novel Coronavirus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. The infection may cause only mild illness in some individuals, but can lead to severe pneumonia and death, especially in those who are older or have other chronic diseases.

This new member of the coronavirus family is very closely related to viruses responsible for previous global outbreaks of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2003 and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Growing evidence suggests that the virus may have originated in bats and mutated to make the jump to humans.

Current Status and Forecast

As of January 28, 2020, China’s National Health Commission reported close to 6000 cases and 132 deaths, an increase of 25% from only the previous day. Experts warned that the actual number of cases could be significantly higher and growing quickly.

Per the CDC, the outbreak has quickly spread outside of China with cases of infection now confirmed in Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, France, Canada, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. Almost all of those cases involved recent travelers from China. Five cases have been confirmed in the US, including one in Arizona in the ASU (Arizona State University) community. That individual is reported to have traveled recently from Wuhan and is presently under quarantine and being followed closely by state and federal health officials.

Recent cases have been reported in Germany from people who had not traveled but had contact with an infectious individual, indicating that person to person transmission is possible.

The Chinese government has imposed travel restrictions in an effort to contain the outbreak and many countries are considering restricting travel to the region. International travelers can expect routine screening at airports around the world, including 20 airports in the US. Anyone with respiratory symptoms or a fever could be subject to quarantine. Several nations, including the US, are evacuating their citizens out of China.

Epidemiologic models developed by researchers at the University of Hong Kong collaborating with the WHO (World Health Organization) indicate that 2019-nCoV may be about to become a global epidemic. The number of cases is not expected to peak until at least late April or early May 2020 and recent quarantines in China are predicted to have limited effect.

What precautions can travelers take?

The CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the entire country of China.
Make sure you have had your flu shot for this season (recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months), since the symptoms of influenza are indistinguishable from those of 2019-nCoV infection. Also ensure you are up to date with your pneumonia vaccines if you are over 65 or have other chronic illnesses.
Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds). If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol based sanitizer.
Avoid touching unwashed hands to your face, eyes, nose and mouth (even if you are wearing a mask). This is one way that previous coronaviruses have been found to spread.
Stay home when you are sick. If you have a cough, practice “cough etiquette”. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or cover your mouth with a tissue and dispose of it immediately.
Avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces in public areas and consider wiping down frequently used surfaces like counters or airplane tray tables with a disinfecting wipe.
If you are in airplanes or airports, consider wearing an N95 respiratory mask – a special close fitting mask certified to block 95% of potentially infectious particles – even though there is not a lot of solid, reliable data to support their effectiveness. Consider purchasing one soon if you have planned upcoming travel. Large centers around the world are already reporting shortages of the masks. Regular surgical or cloth masks likely offer less protection but may still block larger airborne droplet particles.

So far, deaths from 2019-nCoV infection are somewhat limited and the outbreak does not generally pose an immediate or serious threat to US residents. However, the situation is evolving rapidly and international travelers should be prepared and plan accordingly. Schedule a pre-travel consult with a travel health specialist, especially if you have upcoming travel to Asia and stay tuned to the TravelBug Health website for updates.

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Measles: One of the most contagious diseases in the world

TravelBug Health — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 17:13:58 +0000

In 1963, before scientists developed a measles vaccine, the CDC reported an average of 500,000 measles cases and up to 500 deaths annually in the U.S., primarily affecting children. As a result of a highly effective vaccination program, health authorities declared measles eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.

In 2019, the number of measles cases was already on track to set a record. From January 1 to March 28, 2019, the CDC confirmed 387 individual cases in 15 states. This marks the second-highest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 2000, with only 2014 having more reported cases, totaling 667 for the entire year.

So, why do we keep hearing about measles outbreaks?

Measles ranks among the most contagious diseases globally. A single infected person can spread the disease to as many as 18 others through close proximity. Additionally, the virus can survive for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. Outbreaks occur when the percentage of vaccinated individuals drops below a critical level, causing the population to lose its “herd immunity.”

Where does measles come from?

In the U.S., most cases occur in unvaccinated travelers returning from countries with higher measles incidence due to lower local vaccination rates. For example, in the Philippines, health officials report more than 2,100 measles cases per week across the country. Dozens of other countries, including Ukraine, Vietnam, Israel, Japan, Madagascar, and the UK, are currently experiencing outbreaks.

Why is measles dangerous?

Measles can lead to life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia, beyond just a fever and rash. The most vulnerable are children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years. One out of four infected individuals will require hospitalization, and about 1 in 1,000 infections results in dangerous brain inflammation or death.

How can I protect myself from getting measles?

Ensure you have received the MMR vaccine, which provides safe and effective protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two MMR shots, administered at least a month apart, offer lifetime protection against these potentially serious diseases. Vaccination also prevents you from infecting more vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant mothers or infants too young to receive the vaccine. The MMR vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule in the U.S., usually given around 12 months and 5 years of age. Anyone born in the U.S. before 1957 is considered to have acquired immunity to the disease due to its prevalence at that time.

Especially if you plan to travel overseas, protect yourself and your community by staying adequately immunized with both routine and travel vaccines. You wouldn’t want to be “that guy” on the evening news or “patient zero” to the state health department.

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World Malaria Day 2017

TravelBug Health — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 17:01:54 +0000

As part of World Immunization Week, we’re taking the time to recognize World Malaria Day, which highlights a global effort to prevent and eradicate malaria. Malaria is a serious and often life-threatening disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria affects millions of people across the globe, mostly in countries in the tropical latitudes. The burden of illness and death from malaria falls primarily on those who live in poverty. Furthermore, this disease is especially dangerous to small children and pregnant women who fall under this socioeconomic status.

According to the World Malaria Report 2016, in 2015, there were 212 million new cases of malaria and 429,000 deaths. One child dies from malaria every two minutes. Nearly 90 percent of these cases were among children under the age of 5 in Africa.

The good news is that between 2010 and 2015, there was a 21% decrease in the incidence of malaria worldwide. Malaria eradication campaigns have focused on vector control, which limits people’s exposure to biting mosquitoes. Effective malaria prevention measures include improving access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor spraying to eliminate the mosquitos that carry malaria.

No vaccine is available to prevent malaria, but at least 10 different vaccines are currently in clinical trials around the world. Most of these will be targeted toward children in countries with a high burden of malaria.

Malaria is found throughout Africa, South and SE Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, and tropical South America. Travelers to malaria endemic countries in these regions should always take measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Check with your travel health specialist before you leave to evaluate the risk of malaria at your destination. They can also inform you if you would benefit from taking malaria prevention medication.
And always remember; if you develop any illness with a fever after returning from overseas, you should see a health care provider immediately, as it could indicate a serious infection, including malaria.

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Local Zika Transmission now in both Texas and Florida

TravelBug Health — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:14:38 +0000

TravelBug breaks down the Zika pandemic as it continues to spread:

In the Continental U.S.

This week The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced the state’s first locally acquired case of a person infected with the zika virus, in Brownsville along the Gulf Coast.

Several months ago, Zika gained a foothold in the continental United States and (as of Nov. 23, 2016) 182 locally acquired cases have been reported in a few small areas of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The CDC has cautioned pregnant women to avoid non-essential travel to all parts of Miami-Dade County.

Fortunately, the average Aedes mosquito that transmits the zika virus will not travel more than about 500 meters during its lifetime.

The estimated range of Aedes mosquitoes includes all of the southern states in a swath from California through Arizona and Texas, most of the SouthEast and as far North up the East Coast as Connecticut. Researchers are careful to point out that the risk of Zika spreading to these areas depends on a range of factors. Click here to see the map.

The Rest of the Americas

The Zika epidemic in the Americas has spread to include essentially all of Central America (including Mexico), all of the Caribbean and almost all of South America.

The South Pacific

Zika is now endemic throughout many South Pacific islands, including Fiji, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Samoa, Palau and Tonga.

Southeast Asia

Zika has become endemic in Singapore and according to the CDC, travelers are now returning from other areas of Southeast Asia with zika virus infection. The number of cases remains low enough that the CDC has not issued an official travel alert but is cautioning pregnant women about travel to these areas. Countries currently on the watch list include Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Thailand, East Timor and Vietnam.

Click the CDC link to see: All Countries & Territories with Active Zika Virus Transmission

The CDC is now recommending that men who’ve possibly been exposed to the zika virus without developing symptoms should wait 6 months before trying to get pregnant with a partner or have condomless sex. This is much longer than the 8 weeks previously recommended, since Zika RNA has been isolated in semen up to 6 months after infection. The CDC defines possible Zika exposure as travelling to or living in an area where the virus is spreading actively, or condomless sex with someone who has travelled to or lived in such an area.

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WHO Declares Zika Emergency – More Countries Involved

TravelBug Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 21:04:21 +0000

Zika virus is rapidly spreading throughout the Americas, and yesterday the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The WHO alert places Zika in the same category of concern as Ebola. Margaret Chan, the Director General of the WHO, addressed an emergency committee and described the epidemic as “spreading explosively”.

The CDC has responded to the growing public health threat by adding an additional four countries to its travel advisory; American Samoa, Costa Rica, Curacao, and Nicaragua. Click here to see previous alerts and countries involved.

Zika virus infection is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is found in most tropical countries. The infection usually causes only minor flu-like symptoms and not everyone with the virus gets sick. The danger is to woman who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, since infection with the virus is believed to be linked to microcephaly, a potentially serious birth defect. Researchers are also investigating a possible link between Zika virus and Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a neurological condition.

According to Dr. Anne Schuchat of the CDC, the Zika virus causes temporary rather than lasting infection, and in most cases, the virus passes quickly through the bloodstream in about a week. This means that Zika virus infection is not believed to be a risk for a woman becoming pregnant after the infection has cleared.

So far, the disease has only been transmitted through mosquito bites and not by person to person contact, such as in the recent Ebola outbreak. As one health official put it, anyone traveling to regions with Zika virus should take “scrupulous” insect bite avoidance measures. There is not currently any medication or vaccine available to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.

Public Health agencies including the CDC and WHO, are quickly responding to the growing health crisis that many experts believe has an “explosive pandemic potential”.

TravelBug will keep you updated as events unfold.

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Updated CDC Travel Advisory for Zika Endemic Countries

TravelBug Health — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 21:03:02 +0000

On January 15, 2016 the CDC issued a travel advisory cautioning woman who are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant) to avoid travel to 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean currently experiencing an outbreak of Zika virus. The threat of Zika is spreading so quickly, that only a week after it issued its first travel advisory, the CDC has already added an additional 8 countries to the list. These include Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Guyana, Cape Verde, and Samoa. Click here to see the 14 countries noted in the original travel advisory.

Some travelers to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission may become infected while traveling but will not become sick until they return home. According to the CDC, symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Other commonly reported symptoms include muscle pain, headache, and pain behind the eyes. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.

The danger is that infection with the virus is believed to be linked to serious birth defects. Now, researchers are also investigating a possible link with Zika virus infection and Guillain Barré Syndrome in French Polynesia and Brazil.

This means that anyone planning to travel to these countries should consult with a travel medicine specialist or health care provider to carefully determine health risks and discuss means of prevention.

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CDC Issues Travel Alert for Zika Virus

TravelBug Health — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 21:01:43 +0000

Another mosquito-transmitted disease was all over the news this week.

The CDC has issued a travel alert cautioning people about traveling to 14 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. The affected countries include Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Like Dengue, Zika is a virus that causes illness and is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The urgency of the travel advisory is because Zika virus infections in pregnant women have recently been linked to serious birth defects.

Per the CDC:

Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.
Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.

Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have previously been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. May 2015 saw the first locally transmitted cases reported in Brazil. Since then, the virus has rapidly spread throughout the Caribbean and Latin America

Zika virus infections are believed to be linked to a dramatic increase in pregnancies in Brazil that have ended in miscarriage or a (usually) fatal birth defect called microcephaly. Literally meaning “small head”, microcephaly is a condition where a baby is born with a severely underdeveloped brain. Zika virus in Brazil is likely to become an even more prominent public health issue as the country prepares to host the Summer Olympics in August, 2016.

A baby born this week in Hawaii with microcephaly and Zika virus infection could be the first case reported in the United States linking the birth defect with the virus. Two pregnant women in Illinois have also tested positive for Zika virus. The mothers in each of these cases had traveled to Brazil or other Zika endemic countries. The risk of a local outbreak in the continental US remains low because the disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and not from person to person. Scientists continue to monitor tropical regions of the US, including the Southeast and Florida which provide a favorable habitat for the mosquito that carries the Zika virus.

There is no medication to treat Zika virus infection and no vaccine available to prevent it. Practicing insect bite precautions remains the best form of prevention.

Always visit your travel health specialist if you are pregnant (or planning to get pregnant) and traveling outside the country. Pregnancy increases the risk of many other medical conditions and infectious diseases.

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Dengue in Hawaii

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 20:59:02 +0000

Nothing demonstrates the importance of tropical medicine more than having a loved one, patient, or yourself, fall ill while on vacation. I recently received a frantic email from one of my patients vacationing in Hawaii. During her time on the island, she fell violently ill and was later diagnosed with Dengue (pronounced Deng-Gee) Fever.

Initially, I was shocked to uncover such an illness on the safe, tropical paradise of Hawaii, but after doing an online investigation of my own, I saw the island was hit by a localized Dengue outbreak.

But wait, Hawaii? The place where people go to “get away from it all?” That just didn’t make sense!

As it turns out, a warm tropical climate is the perfect breeding and feeding grounds for mosquitos. Unfortunately, evolution made this whiny little bloodsucker the perfect vector, which is the biological term for an organism that carries an infection from one host to another. This is not to be confused with the annoying villain in Despicable Me.

While the Caribbean and the South Pacific are known for their beautiful beaches and warm weather, these tropical paradises are at the center of a new epidemic of closely related mosquito-borne diseases. Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Fever are rapidly evolving in popular tropical tourist destinations around the world.

If we’re speaking in layman’s terms, Dengue is the “Granddaddy” of this family of viral illnesses. It is typically transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, and it can result in symptoms such as high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, and a life-threatening hemorrhagic fever.

With more than half of the world’s population (4 billion people) living in areas affected by Dengue, this ailment has become the most common viral disease spread to humans by mosquitos.

Unlike the nocturnal mosquito that spreads malaria, mosquitos that carry Dengue typically bite people during the day and in urban centers.

The bad news? There is no vaccine currently available to prevent Dengue, and there is no medication to treat it. The good news? You can’t develop Dengue unless an infected mosquito bites you. So, once again, prevention is key when it comes to avoiding complications from a mosquito-borne disease.

Click here to read our previous blog about ways to prevent mosquito bites. If you’re traveling to one of these tropical locations relatively soon, don’t forget to protect your children with proper clothing and insect repellent! Also, be sure to call TravelBug Health to confirm whether or not your dream destination is in a Dengue endemic area.

In regards to my patient, she recovered just fine, but not before suffering from the painful side effects of this frightening and ultimately preventable illness. As of Jan 12, 2016, 213 people have become ill as a result of the outbreak. Stay tuned next week to learn more about Dengue’s up-and coming-cousins: Chikungunya and Zika Fever.

TravelBug wishes all of you a great New Year and lots of adventures in 2016! Go explore and travel safe!

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Norovirus: 5 Ways to Avoid It on a Cruise

TravelBug Health — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 20:48:05 +0000

What is Norovirus?

“Cruise Ship Returns to Port Early due to Norovirus Outbreak” reads one of many recent headlines, as noroviruses are a leading cause of gastroenteritis (commonly called stomach flu) worldwide. These outbreaks often occur in close quarters like cruise ships. Despite extensive precautions on cruise ships, Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact or contaminated food and water. The virus can also survive on surfaces for extended periods. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

5 Ways to Avoid Norovirus on a Cruise

There are many other fun things to see and do on a cruise, so take these simple steps to reduce your chance of getting sick.

1) Wash Your Hands Frequently

Washing your hands frequently is the single most effective strategy for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Ensure you use soap and water, scrubbing thoroughly for at least 20 seconds to remove germs effectively. This simple act is crucial, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be a convenient alternative when soap and water are unavailable, it’s important to note that they do not kill all types of germs, such as Norovirus. Norovirus is highly contagious and often found on cruise ships, making proper handwashing an essential part of your daily routine.

2) Avoid Touching Your Face

Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes, before you have a chance to wash your hands. These are common entry points for viruses and bacteria, and touching your face with contaminated hands can lead to infection. Germs can easily transfer from surfaces to your hands and then enter your body, causing illness. By being mindful of this habit, you significantly reduce your risk of getting sick. Remember that the virus needs to be ingested to cause infection, so avoiding the urge to touch your face is your first line of defense.

3) Pay Attention to What You Eat

When on a cruise or traveling in general, be cautious about what you eat both on and off the ship. Foods that are improperly handled or stored can harbor harmful pathogens, leading to foodborne illnesses. According to the CDC, “ready-to-eat” cold foods such as sandwiches and salads are particularly risky because they often bypass thorough cooking processes that can kill bacteria. Be especially cautious with raw shellfish, such as oysters, as they are common culprits in Norovirus outbreaks. Opt for freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked foods whenever possible, and ensure that food handlers are wearing gloves when preparing and serving meals.

4) Use Only the Bathroom in Your Own Cabin Whenever Possible

Using only the bathroom in your own cabin helps minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens commonly found in shared restrooms. High-touch surfaces in public bathrooms, such as door handles, faucets, and toilet seats, can harbor a variety of germs. By limiting your use of communal facilities, you reduce your chances of coming into contact with surfaces that may not be regularly sanitized. If using a public restroom is unavoidable, take precautions such as using a tissue or paper towel to touch surfaces and washing your hands thoroughly afterward.

5) Finally, Practice the “Cruise Bump”

No, it’s not being pregnant, or having your reservation “bumped” at the last minute. The “cruise bump” is a friendly, hygienic alternative to the traditional handshake. Instead of shaking hands with fellow passengers, greet them with a quick fist bump. This reduces direct contact and the potential transmission of germs. Handshakes can easily transfer bacteria and viruses from one person to another, increasing the likelihood of illness spreading among passengers. By adopting the cruise bump, you can still maintain social connections while prioritizing health and safety. It’s a simple but effective way to protect yourself and others from the spread of infectious diseases during your cruise vacation.

Enjoy the Experience but Be Cautious

If you do happen to get sick with diarrhea, check in immediately with the ship’s medical staff. They can then take measures if necessary to prevent a possible outbreak. Treating yourself with antibiotics will not kill the virus and could delay appropriate care.

Enjoy all that a cruise has to offer, with a few precautions to ensure that you enjoy your on-board activities and ports of call instead of spending your time in the infirmary.

Click here to find out more about Norovirus Outbreaks.

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What is the risk of catching Ebola?

TravelBug Health — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 19:34:41 +0000

World health experts are dealing with an international health emergency as the death toll increases in the recent Ebola Virus (EBV) outbreak in West Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that 2240 people have been infected and 1229 have died as of Tuesday, August 19 in the largest outbreak of EBV in history.

What does this mean for international travelers? Can someone catch the virus from an infected person on a plane? Are we at risk here in the United States?

According to the CDC and Medecins Sans Frontieres, Ebola Virus disease (also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a rare and deadly disease that can kill up to 90% of the people who catch it. Currently there is no vaccine or effective medication widely available to treat it.

The ease of international travel means that infected persons could board a plane and end up in another country; as evidenced by four deaths from EBV in nearby Nigeria. However, “unlike infections such as influenza or tuberculosis, Ebola is not airborne,” says Dr. Isabelle Nuttall of the World Health Organization (WHO). “It can only be transmitted by direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is sick with the disease.” The risk of Ebola transmission on airplanes is so low that it is extremely unlikely that one could catch the disease from a fellow passenger or during routine travel.

What precautions should international travelers take? The CDC and the U.S. State Department have issued their highest level travel alerts and are warning against non-essential travel to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the three countries most affected. Fortunately, the likelihood of an outbreak here in the United States is remote, because of better public health preparedness and procedures.

International travelers should always ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date to protect themselves from diseases like measles and influenza that are more common and far more contagious. The preliminary symptoms of these illnesses or other common tropical diseases are virtually indistinguishable from those of Ebola infection.

Check with your travel medicine specialist to make sure that your health is protected for the region that you intend to visit.

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