Global Health Update
This update is being sent to members of the Wisconsin Travel Health Network.
Increased risk of several mosquito-borne diseases internationally
Several international destinations are currently reporting increased numbers of various mosquito-borne diseases, including:
Travelers to these areas should be advised to avoid mosquito bites at all times during travel, and when appropriate, to take malaria chemoprophylaxis as prescribed before, during, and/or after travel. Mosquito bites can be prevented by using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places that have air conditioning or a combination of window screens, door screens, and insecticide-treated bed nets. Travelers should seek medical care if they develop fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, joint swelling, or rash. Ill travelers returning from these areas can benefit from appropriate testing for chikungunya, dengue, and malaria to support a clinical diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and medical treatment can prevent severe outcomes.
Marburg in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea
CDC continues to monitor the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreaks and issued a Level 2 Alert for travel in Equatorial Guinea and a Level 1 Watch for travel in Tanzania. CDC is providing travelers from Equatorial Guinea or Tanzania with after-travel recommendations to observe their health for 21 days after leaving an outbreak area and what to do if they become ill. If they develop fever, chills, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising people should separate themselves from others and call a health care provider immediately.
There are no movement or travel restrictions while traveler is in the U.S. All health care providers and facilities should be prepared to use the Identify, Isolate and Inform algorithm if they encounter a patient with an unusual travel or exposure history. CDC also provides recommendations for organizations sending health care or emergency response workers into areas with MVD outbreak.
Lassa Fever in Nigeria
On April 24, 2023, CDC issued a Level 1 Watch for travelers to practice usual precautions when traveling to Nigeria in response to a current outbreak of Lassa fever. View a map of the areas affected by the outbreak. Travelers to Nigeria should avoid:
- Contact with rodents.
- Food and material that could be contaminated with rodent urine or droppings.
Travelers should call a health care provider immediately if they develop fever, chills, headache, fatigue, bleeding, trouble breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, or pain in the chest, back and abdomen during or after travel. Antiviral treatment is most effective during the early stages of illness.
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