Malaria
Botswana
Since mid-February of this year, the number of cases has increased due to heavy rainfall. By the end of March, approximately 1,770 cases had been registered. Cases have also been reported from non-endemic areas, including the cities of Francistown, Gaborone, Mahalapye, and Serowe. Extremely good mosquito protection is always recommended; depending on the outbreak situation and travel route, carrying emergency medication or chemoprophylaxis is recommended.
Yellow Fever
Colombia
Since October of last year, there has been an outbreak in the Tolima Department (Z), with 59 confirmed cases and 23 deaths. Nationwide, 75 infections have been reported. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers 9 months of age and older. Vaccination is mandatory for entry from some endemic areas.
Dengue
Comoros
Since the beginning of February of this year, approximately 275 suspected cases have been reported. One person has died. Most infections originate from the island of Anjouan. It is important to ensure that you have excellent protection against daytime mosquitoes, and vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid
Mayotte
Since the beginning of this year, 70 infections have been confirmed. This is significantly more than in the same period last year. The municipalities of Koungou and Mamoudzou are most affected. Careful attention should be paid to food and drinking water hygiene and, if necessary, consider vaccination.
Malaria
Namibia
Since the beginning of November last year, the number of cases in the northern areas of the country has been increasing. By the end of March of this year, a total of approximately 30,160 cases and 64 deaths had been reported. Excellent mosquito protection is always recommended; depending on the outbreak situation and travel route, carrying emergency medication or chemoprophylaxis is recommended.
Dengue
Tonga
The Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak in mid-February of this year. Approximately 500 infections have been confirmed so far. The Vava’u, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua divisions are most affected. It is important to ensure good protection against daytime mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Intestinal infections
Egypt
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. In recent years, there have been repeated cases of infections with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) among returning travelers, especially from Hurghada. Hepatitis A is also very common. Consumption of raw salads and undercooked foods should be avoided. Tap water should not be drunk. Observe food hygiene and vaccinations.
Safety Notice
Egypt
Travel to the northern Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian-Israeli border region (except Taba), and remote areas of the Sahara is advised. Unaccompanied, individual excursions and overland travel in the southern Sinai Peninsula are discouraged (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Dengue
Australia
Approximately 710 infections have been reported since the beginning of this year, most of them in the states of Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Last year, approximately 2,370 cases were reported nationwide. The states of Western Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria were again particularly affected. It is important to ensure very good protection against daytime mosquitoes; vaccination may be advisable if necessary.
Japanese Encephalitis
Australia
Two infections have been reported in the state of Victoria since December of last year. In mid-January of this year, a man became ill in the state of Queensland. By the end of March, another infection and a possible death were reported. Since February, two deaths and three further infections have been reported in the state of New South Wales. A case was also recorded in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Carefully observe mosquito protection and consider vaccination if necessary.
Airborne Pertussis Infections
Australia
By the end of March of this year, approximately 11,200 cases had been reported. Last year, approximately 57,145 cases were reported nationwide, most of them in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. One baby died. These are the highest number of cases since 1991. A total of approximately 2,440 cases were recorded nationwide in 2023. Standard vaccinations should always be checked and updated if necessary before traveling abroad.
Vector-borne infections
Ross River Fever
Australia
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 775 cases have been reported. Nationwide, approximately 3,340 cases were reported last year. The state of Queensland is particularly affected. Observe mosquito protection.
Chikungunya
Brazil
In the first 12 weeks of this year, approximately 91,970 suspected cases were reported nationwide. 54 people have died. The state of Mato Grosso is the worst affected. Approximately 422,615 suspected cases and 213 deaths were reported nationwide last year. Health authorities reported the first local infections in mid-2014. Since then, the infection has spread nationwide. Observe mosquito protection.
Dengue
Brazil
There is a high risk of dengue throughout the country. Since the beginning of this year, approximately 1,735,525 suspected cases have been reported nationwide. 622 people have died. The state of São Paulo is particularly affected, and authorities there have declared a state of medical emergency. Last year, approximately 10,232,875 suspected cases and 6,103 confirmed deaths were registered nationwide. Compared to the previous year, the number of cases has more than tripled. It is important to ensure excellent protection against daytime mosquitoes, and vaccination is recommended.
Yellow Fever
Brazil
In February of this year, a teenager from the municipality of Breves (Pará state) died. Since the beginning of March, 26 infections and seven deaths have been confirmed in the municipality of Breves (Pará state), and there have been approximately 15 additional suspected cases. In the state of São Paulo, 35 infections have already been confirmed this year, with 20 deaths. In the state of Minas Gerais, four people have died and another has become ill. In the state of Tocantins, a worker from Peru fell ill in mid-February. The Ministry of Health warned tourists of an increase in the number of cases and advised them to get vaccinated. Last year, eight human infections were confirmed nationwide. There were four deaths. Vaccination is recommended for stays in Brazil.
Oropouche Fever
Brazil
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 7,760 infections have been reported. One person has died. Most cases have been recorded in the state of Espirito Santo (SW). Last year, the number of confirmed infections nationwide rose to approximately 13,780, and four people died. In 2023, 832 cases were confirmed nationwide, most of which originated in the state of Amazonas (northwest). The virus is transmitted by midges and predominantly nocturnal mosquitoes. The disease leads to an acute febrile syndrome, including joint and limb pain and vomiting. Use mosquito repellent.
Rabies
Brazil
Worldwide, most infections are transmitted by (stray) dogs; in Brazil, transmission also occurs through contact with bats and marmosets. According to the Ministry of Health, 108 cases were confirmed nationwide between 2005 and 2024, most of which originated in the northeast. The risk of rabies should always be part of travel medical advice, also considering the limited availability of suitable vaccines and immunoglobulin in the country. A prophylactic vaccination is recommended, especially for longer stays.
Intestinal Infections
Dominican Republic
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. The Dominican Republic is one of the holiday destinations with the highest number of cases of traveler’s diarrhea. Since October 2022, approximately 110 cholera infections have been reported. One person has died. The majority were recorded in the capital, Santo Domingo. Observe hygiene and consider vaccination.
Dengue
Dominican Republic
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 440 suspected cases have been registered. Last year, approximately 10,250 cases were registered. 12 people died. In 2023, approximately 27,970 suspected cases were registered. 62 people died. Very good protection against daytime mosquitoes is important, and vaccination is recommended.
Entry Requirements
Dominican Republic
The Dominican government has completely sealed the border with Haiti since September 15, 2023, until further notice. Travel by land, air, or sea between the two countries is currently prohibited (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Malaria
Dominican Republic
By the end of January of this year, 1,190 cases had been reported. Approximately 1,035 infections were confirmed last year, with the number of cases roughly tripled compared to the previous year. Very good mosquito protection is always recommended, and carrying emergency medication may be advisable for many parts of the country.
Intestinal Infections
India
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. Cholera is to be expected regionally. Typhoid, paratyphoid, and the orally transmitted forms of hepatitis are endemic throughout India. Anthrax, both cutaneous and intestinal, is frequently found among locals. Ensure proper hygiene and vaccinations.
Dengue
India
Nationwide, approximately 233,400 cases were recorded last year. 236 people died. The states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu were particularly affected. In 2023, approximately 234,430 cases and 91 deaths were reported. In 2022, approximately 233,250 infections and 303 deaths were recorded. Very good protection against daytime mosquitoes is recommended, and vaccination is also recommended.
Japanese Encephalitis
India
At the end of November 2024, the first infection since 2011 was reported in the west of the capital, New Delhi. Last year, 1,328 cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) were recorded nationwide. 93 people died. The highest number of infections was again recorded in the state of Assam (NO). In 2023, 1,097 cases and 56 deaths were officially reported nationwide. Carry out exposure prophylaxis and possibly vaccination!
Malaria
India
Since January of this year, approximately 15,460 cases and one death have been recorded nationwide. Most infections again originate from the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. Last year, approximately 257,385 cases were reported nationwide. 62 people have died. Very good mosquito protection should always be observed, emergency medication should usually be carried, and, depending on the outbreak, chemoprophylaxis should also be discussed.
Safety Notice
India
Travel to Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur is currently strongly discouraged. Demonstrations and large gatherings should generally be avoided, instructions from security forces should be followed, and current media reports should be followed during your stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
India
India is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of cases in animals and humans. In the state of Kerala (South), the number of stray dog bites has more than doubled since 2017, and the number of rabies deaths has roughly tripled. Eight deaths have already been recorded this year. (Stray) dogs are the main vector of rabies. Large cities are also affected. In case of suspicious animal contact, seek immediate medical attention and ensure the use of modern tissue culture vaccines. Preventive vaccination is recommended for all travelers.
Zika Virus
India
In the state of Gujarat (West), 500 people have been infected by the beginning of November last year. Since June last year, 109 infections and five deaths have been confirmed in the city of Pune (West, Maharashtra). The virus is present in large parts of the country. Observe mosquito protection.
Intestinal Infections
Indonesia
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. Cholera outbreaks are sporadically reported in West Papua, and typhus is expected. Continue to observe hygiene and vaccination against typhoid fever.
Dengue
Indonesia
According to press reports, 159 cases and two deaths were reported in the Garut regency (Jawa Bara province) on the island of Java in January of this year. By mid-October of last year, approximately 203,921 infections had been confirmed nationwide. 1,210 people have died. It is important to ensure that you have excellent protection against daytime mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Entry Regulations
Indonesia
Due to the increasing number of monkeypox cases worldwide, the authorities have adjusted entry regulations. Starting August 29, 2024, travelers must complete the electronic health questionnaire at the Ministry of Health (https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/) before entering the country (departure). This will generate a QR code that must be presented at check-in and upon entry.
Poliomyelitis
Indonesia
Last year, seven infections with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported. In 2023, a total of six infections with cVDPV2 were confirmed on the islands of Sumatra and Java. A child had already been diagnosed on the island of Sumatra in November 2022. This is the first case of polio in the country since 2019. The emergence of VDPV makes the country a potential risk area for international spread of the pathogen. As a result, all persons (locals and tourists) who have stayed in the country for more than four weeks should be able to show proof of polio vaccination upon departure. The vaccination must be administered between four weeks and one year before departure and documented in an internationally valid vaccination certificate.
Safety Notice
Indonesia
Non-essential travel to five of the six provinces of the Indonesian part of the island of New Guinea (Papua, Papua West, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Central, and Papua South) is discouraged. Some volcanoes in various parts of Indonesia have shown increased activity recently. The Indonesian government’s overview page provides information on the danger levels and current activities of the 127 volcanoes. It is generally recommended to avoid the respective danger zones and inquire about the current danger levels in advance. Large crowds should be avoided at all costs and the instructions of the security forces should be followed. Furthermore, current media reports should be followed during your stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Safety Notice
South Africa
The South African National Park Service is making every effort to ensure the safety of tourists in and around Kruger National Park and has set up the following helpline for travelers to Mpumalanga Province: +27-(0)6630 0 0991. When traveling to Addo Elephant Park from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), it is recommended to avoid using the R335 via Motherwell and instead use the N2 via Colchester. Demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided at all costs, and the instructions of security forces should be followed. Current media reports should be monitored during any stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
South Africa
Eight deaths were recorded last year. 12 human cases were confirmed in 2023, and 13 in 2022. The provinces of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape were particularly affected. A sharp increase in rabid dogs has been observed nationwide since 2022. Rabies occurs in animals nationwide, affecting jackals, mongooses, cows, unvaccinated dogs, and cats, among others. At the beginning of June, the first confirmed case of rabies was a South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) in Cape Town. By the end of July 2024, 14 more cases had been recorded. According to the Cape Town City Council, eight people have since been bitten, and all have been urged to seek treatment. The public should keep themselves and their dogs away from seals throughout the coastal region of the Cape Peninsula. The most common source of infection for humans is dog bites. Immediately seek medical advice in the event of contact with such animals. Preventive vaccination is recommended for those with a foreseeable risk and for longer stays.
Intestinal Infections
Tanzania
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. Localized cholera outbreaks occur regularly. Since September 2023, there have been outbreaks in 23 regions. Maintain proper hygiene and consider vaccination if necessary.
Entry Requirements
Tanzania
Effective October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (except residents with Tanzanian residency permits) must purchase mandatory entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days). This insurance can only be purchased through ZIC. Other international travel insurance policies are not accepted. Policies can be purchased starting September 1, 2024. The current cost is USD 44 per person. Further information is available on the Visit Zanzibar website (https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/). Entry may be denied if proof of proper insurance is not provided.
Entry Vaccination Requirements
Tanzania
The WHO considers the risk of yellow fever infection in Tanzania to be low, and vaccination is not generally recommended. According to the official entry vaccination regulations (ITH 2020), a yellow fever vaccination is required for persons older than 1 year upon entry from endemic areas. Experience has shown that the regulations change frequently, and the information provided by various authorities differs. The regulations are sometimes interpreted and applied differently at some airports (Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha) or by individual border officials. Contrary to official information, a yellow fever vaccination is often required upon entry to Zanzibar. An official statement from the Zanzibar Ministry of Health is published on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Marburg virus
Tanzania
In January of this year, the Ministry of Health reported an outbreak in Kagera District (Northern Tanzania), which was declared over in mid-March. Ten cases were reported, all of which died. Suspected Marburg virus was confirmed in two patients. The greatest risk of infection is contact with bodily fluids (blood, urine, stool) during patient care. Fruit bats are a reservoir of the virus. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals, but infections after visits to bat caves have also been reported. The risk of infection for (tourist) travelers is low.
Safety Notice
Tanzania
Non-essential travel to the southern part of the Mtwara region (immediate border region with Mozambique), as well as to the islands and coastal region south of Kisiju, is discouraged (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Intestinal infections
Thailand
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide, with smaller cholera outbreaks also expected locally. Observe hygiene.
Dengue
Thailand
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 6,270 infections and 8 deaths have been reported. Last year, approximately 102,930 cases and 175 deaths were recorded. In 2023, approximately 159,220 infections and 179 deaths were reported. The provinces of Trat, Nan, Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Mae Hong Son, as well as the capital Bangkok, were particularly affected. It is important to ensure good protection against daytime mosquitoes, and vaccination is recommended.
Safety Notice
Thailand
On the morning of March 28, 2025, an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale and an aftershock measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale occurred near Mandalay, Myanmar. The reverberations of the earthquake were felt in large parts of Thailand, including Bangkok. Further aftershocks cannot be ruled out. The instructions of security forces and local authorities should be followed, and current media reports should be followed during any stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Measles
USA
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 600 infections and two deaths have been confirmed in the state of Texas, and more than 60 in the neighboring state of New Mexico. One adult has died. A total of approximately 800 cases have been registered in 25 states. In 2024, 285 cases were recorded nationwide. Before traveling abroad, standard vaccinations should always be checked and updated if necessary.
Pertussis
USA
In the state of Louisiana, 110 cases and two deaths have already been confirmed this year. 154 cases were reported there last year. Approximately 35,000 cases were reported nationwide last year, the highest number of cases since 2013. Ten people have died. Before traveling abroad, you should always check your current vaccinations and update them if necessary.
Sun Protection
USA
Since the beginning of 2021, the sale of so-called reef-toxic sunscreens has been banned in the state of Hawaii. These include products containing oxybenzone (BP3) and octinoxate. These substances are suspected of having harmful effects on corals and other marine life.
Avian Flu
USA
In January of this year, a child in San Francisco, California, was confirmed to be infected with influenza A(H5N1). The source of the infection is currently unknown. In mid-February, a woman in Wyoming became ill for the first time. Last year, 70 human cases were reported. Most cases presented with mild symptoms, such as conjunctivitis and mild flu-like symptoms. Those affected had contact with infected dairy cattle. Contact with poultry or infected wild birds resulted in one death in Louisiana, a patient over 65 years of age. In the US, the outbreak began in birds in 2022, and since then, approximately 1,390 poultry farms (commercial and private) in 50 states have been affected. In 2024, influenza A(H5N1) was first confirmed in dairy cows, affecting approximately 1,000 animals in 17 states.
Intestinal Infections
Vietnam
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide; cholera is also endemic. Observe food and drinking water hygiene.
Dengue
Vietnam
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 17,130 infections and two deaths have been reported. Last year, approximately 138,345 cases and 26 deaths were recorded nationwide. Very good protection against daytime mosquitoes is important, and vaccination is recommended.
Import Regulations
Vietnam
As of January 1, 2025, the import, possession, and use of all electronic cigarettes (including vaporizers, tobacco heaters, etc.) and associated equipment are prohibited. Fines of up to 3 billion VND (approximately 115,000 euros) or up to 15 years’ imprisonment are possible (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
Vietnam
The first suspected case of the year was reported in Dak Lak province in January. By mid-April, more than 20 infections had been registered in 13 provinces. More than 80 deaths were reported nationwide last year. The provinces of Binh Thuan, Dak Lak, Nghe An, and Gia Lai were particularly affected. A total of 82 people died from rabies infection in 2023. In case of suspected animal contact, medical attention should be sought immediately. Preventive vaccination is strongly recommended, especially in cases of foreseeable risk and for longer stays. Consultation with a doctor experienced in travel medicine should be sought well in advance of travel.
Avian Flu
Vietnam
In March of last year, an infection with influenza A(H9N2) was reported for the first time in Vietnam. In April of this year, an 8-year-old girl from Tay Ninh province contracted meningitis. This is the first infection with influenza A(H5N1) this year. After a break of more than eight years, in October 2022, a five-year-old girl became ill with an H5 influenza virus. She had eaten meat from infected chickens and ducks. In 2024, an 18-year-old man became ill, and a 21-year-old student died. Between 2003 and 2014, a total of 128 people nationwide contracted influenza A(H5N1), resulting in 65 deaths. Corresponding animal contact was documented for all affected individuals. Since 2014, numerous outbreaks have been recorded in domestic poultry nationwide, resulting in the culling of more than 129,000 birds. At the end of May 2023, an outbreak occurred in Quang Ngai Province involving approximately 1,700 infected ducks. Poultry vaccination is widespread in the country. Since 2014, repeated outbreaks of influenza A(H5N6) have been reported in poultry farms. Since the beginning of 2021, three outbreaks have been reported in two provinces. Human cases have not been reported so far.
source/zdroj: https://crm.de/aktuelles/