Western equine encephalitis (WEE)
Argentina
Around 100 suspected cases have been registered since the end of November last year. 39 infections and 5 deaths were confirmed. This is the first human case since 1996. The infection occurs in horses in many areas of South America and also in Mexico and parts of the USA. This viral infection, carried by mosquitoes active day and night, can lead to severe brain inflammation in humans. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Dengue
French Guiana
A sharp increase in the number of cases has been observed since the beginning of this year. Around 2210 infections have already been confirmed. The island of Cayenne and the Savanes area on the mainland are particularly affected. Around 2,800 cases were reported in the previous year. Take care to protect against mosquitoes, which are mostly diurnal. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Dengue
Singapore
The virus is widespread in the urban state. As there are no scheduled rainy seasons, the risk of transmission throughout the year must be taken into account, which increases after periods of heavy rainfall. Around 1,600 infections have been reported since the beginning of this year. The number of cases is higher than in comparable periods of the last 4 years. Last year, 9950 cases were recorded. In 2022, approximately 32,175 infections and 13 deaths were registered. This is the second highest number of cases ever recorded in Singapore. In 2021, approximately 5,260 cases were recorded. Pay attention to protection against mainly diurnal mosquito vectors. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Yellow fever
South Sudan, Republic of
Authorities confirmed the outbreak in late December last year. In the state of Western Equatoria, an 18-year-old youth has fallen ill. 29 more suspected cases have been added. For all passengers aged one year and older, a valid yellow fever vaccination is required and recommended upon entry.
Malaria
Tanzania
After being considered almost eliminated on the island group of Zanzibar and Pemba for many years, the number of cases has been on the rise again in recent years. The number of cases in Zanzibar has risen sharply since October last year. Very good protection against mosquitoes should always be maintained, and chemoprophylaxis is recommended.
zika virus
Thailand
At the end of November last year, a Dutch tourist and a couple from Germany fell ill after spending time in southern Thailand. Since the start of this year, 19 people have fallen ill in the North East. Last year, more than 750 cases were reported in the country. The infection was first detected in Thailand in 2012. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
intestinal infections
Egypt
Diarrhoeal disease risk nationwide. The Robert Koch Institute has reported an increase in enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infections among returning travellers, particularly from Hurghada. Hepatitis A is also very common. Eating raw salads and undercooked foods should be avoided. Tap water should not be drunk. Observe food hygiene and vaccination protection.
Safety notice
Egypt
A warning is issued against travel to the north of the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian-Israeli border area (except Taba) and remote areas of the Sahara. Unaccompanied individual tours and overland trips to the south of the Sinai Peninsula are not recommended (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Chikungunya
Brazil
This year, 12 840 suspected cases and 3 confirmed deaths have been reported. In the state of Minas Gerais, the authorities declared a state of health at the end of January this year due to the epidemiological situation. Last year, around 256 930 suspected cases were registered nationwide and around 146 250 infections were confirmed. 106 people died. The number of cases has increased significantly compared to the same period last year. In 2022, a total of about 265,300 suspected cases were reported. 75 people died. Health authorities reported the first local infections in mid-2014. Since then, the infection has spread across the country. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Dengue
Brazil
There is a high risk of dengue fever throughout the country. Since the beginning of this year, around 217 840 suspected cases and 15 confirmed deaths have been recorded. The number of cases has more than tripled compared to the same period last year. Last year, around 3 028 600 suspected cases were registered nationwide and 1 094 people died. In 2022, approximately 2,363,500 illnesses and approximately 930 deaths were recorded. Take care to protect against mosquitoes, which are mostly diurnal. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
diarrhoeal diseases
intestinal infections
Dominican Republic
Diarrhoeal disease risk nationwide. The Dominican Republic is one of the holiday destinations with the highest number of cases of traveler’s diarrhea. As of October 2022, approximately 110 cholera infections have been reported. A man died. Most were registered in the capital, Santo Domingo. Take care of hygiene and consider vaccination if necessary.
Dengue
Dominican Republic
Around 20 080 suspected cases have been registered since the beginning of last year. 26 people died. In 2022, around 10,440 suspected cases were reported. 42 people died. The number of cases roughly tripled in 2022 compared to the previous year. Particularly affected were the municipalities of Santiago, Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Santo Domingo Norte, Santo Domingo Este and San José de Ocoa. In 2021, approximately 3,750 infections and 26 deaths were registered. Pay attention to mosquito protection. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Input requirements
Dominican Republic
Dominican government since 15. September 2023 until further notice, completely closing the border with Haiti. Travel by land, air or sea between the two countries is currently not possible (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Chikungunya
India
Approximately 3,711 cases have been reported nationwide since the beginning of last year. The worst affected states are again Maharashtra and Karnataka. In 2022, around 8,070 cases were confirmed nationwide. The worst affected states were Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Take care to protect yourself against the daily vectors of mosquitoes (Aedes species).
intestinal infections
India
Diarrhoeal disease risk nationwide. Cholera can be expected regionally. Typhoid, paratyphoid and orally transmitted forms of hepatitis are endemic throughout India. Anthrax occurs again and again in local people in both cutaneous and intestinal forms. Observe hygiene and vaccination protection.
Dengue
India
Last year, about 234 430 illnesses and 91 deaths were reported nationwide. The highest number of cases were reported in the states of Delhi, West Bengal, Chattisgharh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Gujarat. Approximately 233,250 infections and 303 deaths were recorded in 2022. Take care to protect yourself against the daily vectors of mosquitoes (Aedes species). Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
encephalitis
India
By the end of September last year, approximately 830 cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) had been officially reported nationwide. 48 people died. The state of Assam is particularly affected. In 2022, 1109 cases and 130 deaths were reported. The highest number of infections was again recorded in Assam state. Perform exposure prophylaxis and vaccination if necessary!
Malaria
India
By the end of September last year, 144,527 cases had been registered nationwide and 28 people had died. The worst affected states are again Chhattisgarh and Urisa. Around 174,000 cases and 68 deaths have been reported in 2022. Very good protection against mosquitoes is always important, it is usually advisable to take emergency medication and depending on the outbreak, chemoprophylaxis should be discussed.
Safety notice
India
Travel to Jammu, Kashmir and Manipur is strongly discouraged at present. Always avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people and follow the instructions of the security forces and keep up to date with media reports during your stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Smog
India
Air pollution is currently extremely high in New Delhi and the National Capital Territory (NCT) surrounding the national capital. At this time of year, the burning of crop residues in the surrounding fields regularly increases pollution, especially from fine dust. Young children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory diseases are particularly at risk. It is recommended to stay indoors during peak exertion, avoid physical exertion and wear breathing masks if necessary. Travelers should closely monitor local media coverage.
Rabies
India
Last year, deaths were reported in several states. In September, the first death was reported in the state of Goa since 2017. India is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of animal and human cases. In 2022, a total of about 310 people died. The main transmitter is a (stray) dog. Large cities are also affected. In case of suspicious contact with an animal, seek medical attention immediately and pay attention to the use of modern vaccines for tissue culture. Preventive vaccinations are recommended for all passengers.
intestinal infections
Indonesia
Diarrhoeal disease risk nationwide. Cholera epidemics are reported sporadically in West Papua and typhoid fever can be expected. Continue to maintain hygiene and protection by vaccination against typhoid fever.
poliomyelitis
Indonesia
Last year, a total of 6 vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) infections were confirmed on the islands of Sumatra and Java. A child on the island of Sumatra was already sick in November 2022. This is the first polio detection in the country since 2019. The emergence of VDPVs makes a country at potential risk of international spread of the pathogen. As a result, all people (locals and tourists) who have been in the country for more than 4 weeks should be able to show proof of polio vaccination when leaving the country. Vaccinations must be given 4 weeks to one year prior to departure and must be documented on an internationally valid vaccination card.
Bird flu
Indonesia
Since November 2003, highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by influenza A(H5N1) has spread throughout the country with local and regional outbreaks in poultry. More than 10 million animals have fallen victim to animal disease so far. Since mid-2003, 200 human cases of the disease have been reported in Indonesia, of which 168 have been fatal. The last human infections were confirmed on the island of Bali in September 2017. Almost all of those affected had direct contact with sick or dead animals. Contact with live poultry or sick people should be avoided and hygiene should be maintained.
damn
South Africa
Last year, around 1390 suspected cases were registered, 199 infections were confirmed and 47 people died. In addition to Gauteng province, the Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces are also affected. Take care of hygiene and consider vaccination if necessary.
rubella
South Africa
The number of cases has increased since mid-August. Some 310 infections have been confirmed, with the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape provinces particularly affected. Isolated cases have occurred in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. Always check and top up standard vaccination protection before travelling abroad.
Safety notice
South Africa
The electricity crisis continues with frequent and prolonged power cuts. These lead to temporary power outages, including in private accommodation, shops, banks and ATMs, public lighting, traffic lights and security systems. Power outages can also affect water supply and quality and continue to lead to restrictions on internet connectivity and mobile communications. Petrol stations may also be temporarily affected. For safety reasons, the South African National Park Authority advises travellers to avoid using the so-called “no-go” signs when entering Kruger National Park. Numbi gates and used alternative entry gates. To get to Addo Elephant Park from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), we recommend not using the R335 via Motherwell and alternatively use the N2 via Colchester (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
South Africa
Last year, 11 cases were confirmed, one in Limpopo province and five each in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. In 2022, 13 confirmed infections and 6 suspected cases were reported nationwide. The Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces were also particularly affected. A sharp increase in rabid dogs has been observed nationwide since 2022. The most common source of infection is dog bites. If such contact occurs, seek medical attention immediately; if the risk is foreseeable and the stay is prolonged, preventive vaccination is recommended.
intestinal infections
Tanzania
Diarrhoeal disease risk nationwide. Localised outbreaks of cholera occur regularly. Take care with hygiene and consider vaccinations if necessary.
Requirement for initial vaccination
Tanzania
The risk of contracting yellow fever in Tanzania is classified by WHO as low and vaccination is generally not recommended. According to the official entry vaccination regulation (ITH 2020), yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for persons over 1 year of age when entering from endemic areas. Experience shows that regulations change frequently and the information provided by different authorities varies. The regulations are sometimes interpreted and dealt with differently at some airports (Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha) or by individual border officials. Contrary to official information, a yellow fever vaccination is often required when entering Zanzibar. The official statement of the Zanzibar Ministry of Health is published on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Malaria
Tanzania
After being considered almost eliminated on the island group of Zanzibar and Pemba for many years, the number of cases has been on the rise again in recent years. The number of cases in Zanzibar has risen sharply since October last year. Very good protection against mosquitoes should always be maintained, and chemoprophylaxis is recommended.
poliomyelitis
Tanzania
The first vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) infection was reported in July last year. Further infections were reported in early September and late December. Due to the presence of cVDPV2, the country is formally classified as a country with a potential risk of international spread of the pathogen. As a result, all people (locals and tourists) who stay in the country for more than 4 weeks must present a polio vaccination when they leave the country. Vaccinations must be given 4 weeks to one year prior to departure and must be documented on an internationally valid vaccination card. Observe protection by vaccination.
intestinal infections
Thailand
Risk of diarrhoeal diseases nationwide, smaller cholera outbreaks can be expected locally. Take care of hygiene.
Dengue
Thailand
Since the beginning of last year, around 156,100 infections and 167 deaths have been reported. Trat, Nan, Chanthaburi, Rayong and Mae Hong Son provinces are particularly affected, as well as the capital Bangkok. Take care to protect yourself against daytime mosquitoes. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
zika virus
Thailand
At the end of November last year, a Dutch tourist and a couple from Germany fell ill after spending time in southern Thailand. Since the start of this year, 19 people have fallen ill in the North East. Last year, more than 750 cases were reported in the country. The infection was first detected in Thailand in 2012. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Hepatitis A
USA
According to the CDC, there has been an increase in nationwide outbreaks since 2016, with infections spreading from person to person. Those affected are mainly homeless and addicted people. Approximately 44,950 infections and 424 deaths have now been reported from 37 countries. Most infections were reported in the states of Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Indiana. Pay careful attention to hygiene measures and consider vaccinations if necessary.
Food poisoning
USA
Since mid-October, 470 Salmonella infections have been reported in 44 states. Six people died. The most affected states are Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas. In all cases, the source of infection was cantaloupe melons from Mexico. There have already been numerous withdrawals and the relevant information needs to be followed. The CDC recommends avoiding eating fruit of unknown origin.
sun protection
USA
Starting in early 2021, the sale of so-called reef-toxic sunscreens, including products that contain oxybenzone (BP3) and octinoxate, is banned in the state of Hawaii. These substances are suspected of having a harmful effect on corals and other marine life.
intestinal infections
Vietnam
Diarrhoeal disease risk nationwide, cholera is also endemic. Take care of food and drinking water hygiene.
Dengue
Vietnam
Since the beginning of last year, approximately 166 620 infections and 42 deaths have been reported. In 2022, around 367,730 illnesses and 140 deaths were registered. The number of cases was roughly 5 times higher than in 2021. Watch out for protection from mosquitoes, which are mostly diurnal. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Bird flu
Vietnam
After a gap of more than 8 years, a 5-year-old girl fell ill with H5 influenza virus infection in October 2022. She ate meat from sick chickens and ducks. Between 2003 and 2014, a total of 127 people fell ill with influenza A (H5N1) across the country and 64 died. In all affected individuals, adequate animal contacts could be demonstrated. Since 2014, numerous outbreaks in domestic poultry have been recorded across the country with more than 129,000 animals killed. At the end of May last year, there was an outbreak in Quang Ngai province with about 1,700 sick ducks. Vaccination of poultry is widespread in the country. Outbreaks of influenza A(H5N6) have been repeatedly reported in poultry farms since 2014. Since the beginning of 2021, 3 outbreaks have already been reported in 2 provinces. No human illnesses have occurred so far.
Source: https://crm.de/aktuelles/