Global Health Update
This update is being sent to members of the Wisconsin Travel Health Network.
Diphtheria in Nigeria
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) issued a Level 2 Alert for diphtheria in several states in Nigeria. All travelers 2 months and older traveling to outbreak areas should receive an age-appropriate dose of a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine if they are not completely vaccinated or if they have not received a booster dose within five years prior to departure.
Natural disaster preparation
In light of the recent increase in natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes, we would like to share the Department of State resource page for travelers. Specifically, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program allows travelers to share their travel plans and contact information with the Department of State so they can be reached in the event that safety, security, and emergency concerns arise prior to or during planned travels. Additional information on preparing for a crisis abroad can also be found on the resource page, which provides tips on preparing for potential crises such as natural disasters, hurricanes, and non-natural disasters for travelers who may find themselves in one of these unfortunate circumstances during their travel.
Air quality and travel
As climate change warms the planet, summer brings extra health risks from unsafe air quality, creating problems for travelers hoping to enjoy time outdoors. This summer, dry conditions and sweltering heat are fueling wildfires worldwide with massive smoke plumes drifting thousands of miles from its source. Wildfire smoke is laced with tiny particles, called particulate matter or PM2.5, that can get deep in the lungs and even the bloodstream. At the same time, sunlight and heat mix with air pollution from tailpipes, factories, and power plants to form ozone. This poor air quality can cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, sore throat, headache, irritated eyes, and more.
Please remind travelers to take extra precautions if they have a respiratory or heart condition like asthma, COPD, or heart disease as it can make their symptoms worse. Below are some resources and tips to share with travelers regarding air quality.
While traveling, always check the air quality before heading outside.
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Use AirNow to check air quality conditions in the U.S.
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Use the United Nation’s map to check real-time air quality and wildfire conditions around the world.
Have a plan to stay safe, stay indoors, and be prepared for changing air quality conditions, especially those associated with fast moving wildfires.
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Plan indoor activities, like museums or theaters.
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Check local news or weather apps for air quality advisories or wildfire evacuation alerts.
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Consider wearing an N95 mask if particle pollution (PM2.5) levels are high. N95 masks will not protect you against ozone.
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If you are traveling to remote areas, consider carrying a personal locator beacon.
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Know where the nearest hospital or clinic is in case you need to seek medical care, and look up the emergency phone numbers for the country or countries to which you are traveling.
Learn more about air quality advisories from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
World Rabies Day 2023
September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global health observance that started in 2007 to raise awareness about the world’s deadliest infectious disease and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide. The theme this year is: Rabies: All for 1, One Health for all. This year’s theme highlights the need for collaboration, the importance of equality, and the need for strengthening overall health systems.
Resources
Free accredited CE module on revised ACIP rabies vaccine guidelines
In a May 2022 MMWR, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued modified recommendations for the use of rabies vaccine. The pre-exposure primary series has now been changed from 3 to 2 doses on a 0, 7-day schedule. This change allows more travelers to become protected prior to traveling to high-risk countries for rabies.
To assist clinicians seeking to prevent rabies and implement the revised ACIP rabies vaccine guidelines, the American Travel Health Nurses Association (ATHNA) now offers a free, accredited, and on-demand continuing educational activity.
This learning module is suitable for NPs, RNs, MDs, DOs, PAs, Pharmacists, and anyone interested in knowing how to prevent a potentially fatal case of rabies. Encourage your friends and colleagues to take the course. This webinar is available to members and non-members of ATHNA. Registration for the ATHNA learning platform is quick and easy.
Disease Spotlight: Influenza
Flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by an influenza virus. There are two common influenza viruses, type A and type B. Both types primarily circulate in the Northern Hemisphere from October to March, and in the Southern Hemisphere from March through July. Global influenza case counts are currently low as spring is coming to the Southern Hemisphere. More information about international influenza activity and monitoring can be found on the CDC's International Influenza webpage.
Flu signs and symptoms
Flu symptoms typically begin about two days (but can range from one to four days) after flu viruses infect a person’s respiratory tract. It is possible for an infected person to spread flu viruses to their close contacts before their symptoms begin. Some people can be infected with flu viruses and have no symptoms but may still be able to spread the virus to their close contacts. When flu signs and symptoms occur, they usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with flu commonly feel some or all these symptoms:
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Fever
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Cough
- Sore throat
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Muscle or body aches
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Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
Who is at highest risk of complication from flu?
Most people with flu get better on their own. But sometimes influenza can lead to complications, including pneumonia, that may result in hospitalization and death. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:
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Adults 65 years and older
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Children younger than 2 years old
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People with chronic lung disease
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People with heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
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People with kidney diseases
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People with a weakened immune system due to disease (such as people with HIV or AIDS,) or medications (such as those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, or persons with chronic conditions requiring chronic corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system)
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Pregnant people
How is flu spread?
People with flu can spread it to others. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby (usually within six feet) or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
Flu vaccine and treatment
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. The flu vaccine is safe and effective in preventing illness or lessening the severity of a flu infection.
Prescription medications called influenza antivirals can help treat the flu. These drugs can help you feel better faster and make the symptoms less intense. For these drugs to work best, they need to be started within two days after you get sick with the flu.
Travel recommendations
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Travelers who wish to reduce their risk of getting the flu should consider vaccination, preferably at least two weeks before departure.
- Persons at higher risk for complications from the flu who were not vaccinated during the preceding fall or winter should consider influenza vaccination before departure, if planning to travel to the tropics, with organized tourist groups, on cruise ships, or to the Southern Hemisphere during April–September.
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