This update is being sent to members of the Wisconsin Travel Health Network.
Global Health Update
Personal safety and security overseas
Traveling abroad is an exciting experience but it can also pose a wide range of health concerns for travelers. Illness, injury, and over exposure to unfamiliar climates are a few of the risks that travelers may routinely encounter while abroad. Other risks for travelers include crime and threats to personal safety. Overseas travelers can also face challenges when trying to seek help while in distress. Language, culture, and local laws can all be barriers for obtaining assistance. Additionally, local government response to crimes may be slow or inadequate. Travelers should be advised to research the conditions of their destination and the potential risks they may encounter while there.
Staying informed
Travelers can stay up to date on safety and security information for their destination through the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. The Bureau of Consular Affairs assigns every country a travel advisory level based on current conditions and potential risks. Advisory levels range from 1: Exercise normal precautions to 4: Do not travel. The country advisory also details what threats travelers may encounter as well as how to seek assistance from the United States government if needed.
Popular tourist destinations such as Jamaica and The Bahamas have recently been assigned heighted safety precautions due to local conditions. Travelers should be advised to review any advisories for their destination prior to travel to be informed and prepared on local conditions.
Protection from crime
Crime is the most common threat to personal safety when traveling abroad. Travelers should research crime trends at their destination using the Overseas Security Advisory Council Country Security Reports. Remind travelers that there are a few universal precautions to help prevent becoming a victim of crime while traveling. Those precautions include:
- Avoiding accommodations that are on the ground floor or immediately next to the stairs.
- Not wearing expensive clothing or accessories.
- Limiting travel at night and not traveling alone.
- Taking only recommended and safe modes of local transportation.
If travelers do become victims of crime, they should contact the local authorities and the nearest U.S. Embassy for assistance. More information on personal safety can be found in the 2024 CDC Yellow Book.
Sun Exposure
February in Wisconsin can have many people dreaming of warm weather and sunshine. For some Wisconsinites, this is also the time of year for spring break trips to destinations with sand and sun. Remind travelers of the importance of protecting themselves from the sun’s harmful rays when traveling to warm or tropical destinations. Travelers should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. Remind travelers to review the regulations of the destination as some prohibit the use of sunscreens containing ingredients that are harmful to sea life such as coral. Wearing protective clothing, including sunglasses, and staying in the shade can also help protect travelers from sunburn and the potential long-term effects from too much sun exposure.
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CDC Travel Health Notices for international travelers
Level 4 – Avoid All Travel
None at this time.
Level 3 – Reconsider Non-Essential Travel
None at this time.
Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions
Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The CDC has updated the level 2 travel health notice for the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There continues to be an ongoing outbreak in 22 of 26 provinces, including urban areas. Person-to-person transmission has occurred during the outbreak. People who are traveling to the DRC should take precautions to protect themselves against infection. Travelers should seek medical care if they develop a new, unexplained skin rash, with or without fever or chills, and should avoid contact with others.
Chikungunya in Timor-Leste
The CDC has issued a level 2 travel health notice due to an outbreak in Timor-Leste. Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to human through mosquito bites. Anyone traveling to Timor-Leste should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Pregnant travelers should reconsider travel to Timor-Leste. Chikungunya virus can infect the baby before or during delivery and can result in severe illness to the newborn. Travelers with symptoms of fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash should seek medical care during or after travel.
Global Polio
The CDC issued an updated level 2 notice for global polio. Polio has been eliminated from most of the world, but some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, adults and children should make sure they are up to date on polio vaccines. Before travel to any destination with poliovirus detected within the last 12 months, adults may additionally receive a single, one-time booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
Diphtheria in Niger and Nigeria
The CDC has issued level 2 travel health notices for diphtheria in both Nigeria and Niger. The CDC recommends that all travelers 2 months and older be up to date on their diphtheria vaccine before traveling to any of the affected areas. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have not received a booster dose within five years may need a booster before traveling. Individuals should meet with a health care professional to discuss their medical situation prior to travel. When traveling to affected areas, travelers should avoid individuals who are sick and avoid touching open wounds of others. If a traveler feels sick, they should seek medical care immediately.
Level 1 – Practice Usual Precautions
Western Equine Encephalitis in South America
Oropouche Fever in Brazil
Dengue Fever in the Americas, Asian and the Pacific Island, and African and the Middle East
Disease Spotlight: Norovirus
Noroviruses are a group of very contagious viruses that cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, a condition known as gastroenteritis. Norovirus is commonly referred to as food poisoning and most outbreaks occur in the cooler winter months. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis, causing an estimated 685 million cases annually. About 200 million cases are seen among children under 5 years old, leading to an estimated 50,000 child deaths every year, mostly in developing countries. Behind respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, norovirus is the second most common infectious disease afflicting cruising travelers.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with norovirus can start to have symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure. The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Fever
- Chills
- Aches
- Tiredness
Norovirus can cause excessive vomiting or diarrhea that can lead to dehydration, especially in young children or older adults.
How is it spread?
Norovirus can spread easily from person to person. The viruses that cause norovirus are found in the poop or vomit of people who are sick. Individuals with norovirus can shed billions of norovirus particles, leading to the exposure of healthy individuals.
Common ways norovirus can spread include:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as by caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
How is it treated?
There are currently no specific medications that can treat people who are sick with norovirus. Individuals that have norovirus should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost from vomiting and diarrhea to help prevent dehydration. Most people will get better within one to three days. If a person becomes severely dehydrated, they should be advised to call a doctor.
Travel recommendations
With spring break travel right around the corner, many travelers may find themselves in new environments with high volumes of people, such as on cruise ships. This exposure can create the risk for illness from contaminated food, water, people, or surfaces. Travelers should be reminded to:
Report any illnesses:
- If sick prior to the travel event, individuals should seek travel recommendations from a medical provider.
- If sick during a trip, individuals should contact a facility’s medical staff for recommendations.
Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
- After using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Before eating, preparing, or handling food.
- Before taking or giving someone medicine.
Handle and prepare food safely:
Although it may prove challenging during travel, individuals should try to eat only fruits and vegetables if they have been washed well and only use clean surfaces or utensils when eating.
Additional information on norovirus travel considerations can be found in the CDC Yellow Book 2024.
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