Dengue
Ethiopia
This year, around 18 790 suspected cases were reported nationwide and 130 infections were confirmed. 16 people died. The Afar (N) region is particularly affected. Take care to protect yourself against daytime mosquitoes. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Dengue
Jamaica
Authorities declared an outbreak in late September. Approximately 2 565 suspected cases and 577 confirmed infections have been reported this year. Two people died. Pay attention to protection against mainly diurnal mosquito vectors. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Dengue
Malaysia
Since the beginning of this year, around 113,460 cases have been registered and 73 people have died. The number of cases has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Approximately half of all cases continue to originate from Selangor State. Last year, approximately 66,100 infections and 39 deaths were recorded. As is the case throughout Southeast Asia, mosquito-borne disease is also prevalent in Malaysia, particularly on the peninsula. As there are no scheduled rainy seasons, there is a constant risk of transmission, which increases regionally after periods of heavy rainfall. Pay attention to protection against mainly diurnal mosquito vectors. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Dengue
Little
This year, around 4,400 suspected cases have been reported nationwide and around 600 infections have been confirmed. 21 people died. Pay attention to protection against mainly diurnal mosquito vectors. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
Shellfish poisoning
New Zealand
The health authority warns against eating shellfish. There are warnings of a gastroenteric form of shellfish poisoning in the South Island. A paralytic form of mussel poisoning is currently occurring in the North Island. Toxins produced by algae or dinoflagellates accumulate in the flesh of mussels and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The poisons are not destroyed by heating. Travelers should heed local warnings.
Dengue
Taiwan
In the worst outbreak in eight years, some 25,610 local infections and 56 deaths have been confirmed so far this year. The cities of Tainan, Kaohsiung and Taichung as well as Yunlin County are particularly affected. Pay attention to protection against mainly diurnal mosquito vectors. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
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
Since the beginning of this year, around 243 180 suspected cases have been registered nationwide and around 146 250 infections have been confirmed. 94 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. In 2021, approximately 133,600 suspected cases were reported. 12 people died. In 2020, approximately 92,720 infections and 25 deaths were reported. 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 2,909,500 suspected cases have been registered nationwide and 1,011 people have died. In the states of Espírito Santo (O) and Paraná (S), the number of cases increased compared to the same period last year. In 2022, about 2,363,500 illnesses and about 930 deaths were recorded. Take care to protect against mosquitoes, which are mostly diurnal. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
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 18 420 suspected cases have been registered since the beginning of this year. 19 people died. Last year, 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).
West Nile fever
Greece
Since mid-July, 162 infections and 22 deaths have been reported. The regions affected are Central Macedonia and Thessaly, as well as the island of Thasos. In Greece, the infection occurs sporadically. The virus is transmitted from one host to another by mosquitoes. It primarily infects birds, but can also spread to humans, horses and other mammals. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Chikungunya
India
Approximately 3,711 cases have been reported nationwide since the beginning of this year. The worst affected states are again Maharashtra and Karnataka. Last year, approximately 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
About 234,430 illnesses and 91 deaths were reported nationwide that year. 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 this 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 this year, 144,527 cases had been registered nationwide and 28 people had died. The worst affected states are again Chhattisgarh and Urisa. Last year, approximately 174 000 cases and 68 deaths were reported. 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. Authorities closed elementary schools for several days. 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
Deaths have been reported in several states this year. Four children and one adult have died after being bitten by a dog in Uttar Pradesh (N) since late July. In June, a 49-year-old woman who cared for stray dogs died in the state of Kerala (SW). In July, three young children were bitten by rabid dogs in the same condition and one died. India is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of animal and human cases. In total, around 310 people died last year. The most affected states are Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal. 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.
Leptospirosis
Indonesia
Authorities in the Sultanate of Yogyakarta on the island of Java have already recorded 64 cases this year. The number of cases has more than doubled compared to the previous year. The pathogen is shed by mammals (rats and dogs) and can enter humans through small skin lesions. In moist environments (water, mud), leptospires can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Adequate contact with wet habitats and inland waters should be avoided.
poliomyelitis
Indonesia
Since the end of January this year, 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) infections have been confirmed in Aceh province on the island of Sumatra. The child was already sick there last November. This is the first polio detection in the country since 2019. In March this year, the disease was confirmed in Java province. The emergence of the VDPV makes the country a country with a 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.
Monkeypox (Mpox)
Spain
After several cases were confirmed in the UK in May 2022, other countries reported infections. Approximately 7 580 confirmed infections have been reported in Spain. 3 deaths have been confirmed. The virus is found in central and west Africa, and cases outside Africa have so far been traced to travellers or imported animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person or with objects contaminated with the virus.
Dengue
Spain
Since the end of August this year, 3 local infections have been confirmed in the Catalonia region. These are the first cases on the Spanish mainland since 2019. Pay attention to protection from the mostly diurnal mosquito vectors.
West Nile fever
Spain
A total of 17 cases have been reported in 7 provinces this year. Two people died. The provinces of Huelva (SW), Valencia (O), Barcelona (O) and Cáceres are also affected for the first time. The infection is sporadic in Spain. The virus is transmitted from one host to another by mosquitoes. It primarily infects birds, but can also spread to humans, horses and other mammals. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
damn
South Africa
This year, around 1390 suspected cases have been registered, 199 infections have been confirmed and 47 people have 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. It is recommended that you avoid using the R335 via Motherwell to access Addo Elephant Park from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and use alternative entry gates.
Rabies
South Africa
This year 10 cases have already been confirmed, one in Limpopo province, 5 in KwaZulu-Natal and 4 in the Eastern Cape province. Last year, 13 confirmed infections and 6 suspected cases were reported nationwide. The Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces were also particularly affected. Since last year, there has been a sharp increase in rabid dogs across the country. 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.
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diarrhoeal diseases
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.
poliomyelitis
Tanzania
The first vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) infection was reported in July this year. The second infection was reported in early September. 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.
Chikungunya
Thailand
Around 820 infections have been confirmed so far this year. Compared to 2021, the number of cases doubled last year, with a total of around 1,400 infections reported from 48 provinces. In 2021, around 670 cases were registered nationwide. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
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 this year, around 136,655 infections and 147 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.
Monkeypox (Mpox)
USA
After several cases were confirmed in the UK in May 2022, other countries reported infections. In the United States, approximately 31,280 infections have been recorded in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. as well as those registered in Puerto Rico. 55 people died. In early August 2022, the government declared a national health emergency. The virus is found in central and west Africa, and cases outside Africa have so far been traced to travellers or imported animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person or with objects contaminated with the virus.
Dengue
USA
Since October, two local infections have been confirmed in Los Angeles County, the first cases in the state of California. There have been 142 confirmed local infections in the state of Florida this year. Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hardee and Polk counties are affected. The first case was reported in early February. Last year, 68 cases were recorded. Take care to protect yourself against daytime mosquitoes. Vaccination is possible from February 2023.
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Infections, oral
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 44 940 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, 230 Salmonella infections have been reported in 38 states. 3 people died. The most affected states are Minnesota, Wisconsin and Arizona. 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.
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Vector-related infections
Malaria
USA
Earlier this October, Arkansas state health officials confirmed a local infection in Saline County. In mid-August, the first local case of tropical malaria in the state of Maryland in more than 40 years was reported in the Washington metropolitan area. In mid-June this year, health authorities in the state of Texas confirmed a local infection (malaria tertiana) in Cameron County. For the first time in 20 years, 7 locally acquired cases of tertian malaria have been confirmed in the state of Florida since May. Authorities are warning of mosquito-borne diseases in Florida. Malaria is very rare in the USA, the last time 8 local cases of tertian malaria were reported in Palm Beach County (Florida) in 2003. Pay extra attention to mosquito repellent.
poliomyelitis
USA
At the end of June 2022, poliovirus infection derived from the type 2 vaccine (cVDPV2) was confirmed in the US for the first time since 2013. The 20-year-old was temporarily treated at a paralysis clinic in Rockland County (New York State). Authorities say polioviruses were detected in wastewater samples in the county before the man became ill. By the end of March this year, viruses had been detected in more than 100 wastewater samples, and New York State authorities declared a disaster in early September. Residents were asked to check their vaccination protection and top up if necessary. Always check and top up standard vaccination protection before travelling abroad.
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.
West Nile fever
USA
This year, by the end of October, 2,290 infections and at least 20 deaths had been reported nationwide, with the states of Colorado, Arizona, California and Nebraska particularly affected. The peak season is from July to October, but transmission is possible all year round. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
intestinal infections
Vietnam
Diarrhoeal disease risk nationwide, cholera is also endemic. Take care of food and drinking water hygiene.
West Nile fever
Dengue
Vietnam
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 135 880 infections and 35 deaths have been reported. The number of cases in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has increased unusually since July. Last year, around 367,730 illnesses and 140 deaths were recorded. The number of cases was about 5 times higher than in 2021. Regions in the south and centre of the country, as well as Ho Chi Minh City, were particularly affected. In 2021, around 68,270 cases were reported and 21 people died. Take care to protect against 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 this year, there was an outbreak in Quang Ngai province with about 1700 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.