April 2019 Outbreak Notices

Dengue in Brazil:

• The Brazilian Ministry of Health has reported an increase of 264% of Dengue fever cases compared to last year. The risk areas include Tocantins, Acre, Mato Grosso du Sul, Goias, Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo.

• Dengue fever is the 2nd most common cause of febrile illness in returning travellers. If you develop a fever during or on your return from travel, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.

• Dengue is spread via daytime biting mosquitoes. Please use good bite prevention at these times.

• For more information, please read here.

Ongoing Ebola outbreak in DRC:

• The WHO reports that as of the 2nd April, a total of 1100 confirmed Ebola Virus disease have been reported of which 690 have died.

• The risk to travellers is generally extremely low.

• Travellers returning from this country that develop a flu-like symptoms within 3 weeks after return, should seek medical attention rapidly.

• For more information, please read here.

Security situation in Sri Lanka:

• The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have advise if you are going to and just returning from Sri Lanka at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka.

Tropical Cyclone Idai:

• Avoid unnecessary travel to Beira City, Mozambique and parts of Malawi and Zimbabwe.

• Ensure that you have a travel health consultation before going to these areas.

Information from Travel Health Pro, World Health Organisation, Travax and Fit for Travel. Compiled by Jo Thompson.