Yellow fever
Brazil
In the state of São Paulo, 11 infections have already been confirmed this year. 8 people have died. In the state of Tocantins, a worker from Peru fell ill in mid-February. The Ministry of Health has warned tourists of an increase in the number of cases and advised them to get vaccinated. Last year, 8 infections in humans were confirmed nationwide. There were 4 deaths. Vaccination is recommended for stays in Brazil.
Oropouche fever
Brazil
Since the beginning of this year, 4,310 infections have already been reported. Most cases were registered in the state of Espirito Santo (SW). Last year, the number of confirmed infections nationwide rose to around 13,780, and 4 people died. In 2023, 832 cases were confirmed nationwide, most of them from the state of Amazonas (NW). 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. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Dengue
Mali
Since the beginning of this year, 356 cases have been reported. Last year, around 9,540 suspected cases were reported and 1,428 infections were confirmed. 13 people have died. Nationwide, around 6,180 suspected cases were reported in 2023 and around 860 infections were confirmed. 34 people have died. It is important to ensure that you have very good protection against day-active mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Malaria
Namibia
Since the beginning of November last year, the number of cases in the areas where the disease is spread in the north of the country has been increasing. By mid-January this year, a total of around 5,900 cases and 28 deaths had been reported. Very good mosquito protection should always be observed; depending on the outbreak situation and travel route, taking emergency medication or chemoprophylaxis with you is recommended.
Dengue
Puerto Rico
Last year, around 6,290 suspected cases were reported, most of them in the capital, San Juan. 11 people died. In 2023, around 1,245 suspected cases were registered. The last major outbreak occurred in 2013. It is important to ensure that you have very good protection against day-active mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Chikungunya
Réunion
Since the end of August last year, around 1,070 infections have been confirmed, particularly in the west and south of the island. The popular tourist town of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is also affected. Take precautions against mosquitoes.
Intestinal infections
Egypt
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. In recent years, there have been repeated cases of infections with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in returning travelers, especially from Hurghada. Hepatitis A is also very common. Raw salads and insufficiently cooked food should be avoided. Tap water should not be drunk. Pay attention to food hygiene and vaccinations.
Safety note
Egypt
Travel to the north of the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian-Israeli border area (with the exception of Taba) and remote areas of the Sahara is warned against. Unaccompanied, individual excursions and overland trips in the south of the Sinai Peninsula are not recommended (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Dengue
Australia
Since the beginning of this year, around 250 infections have been reported, most of them in the states of Western Australia and New South Wales. Last year, around 2,350 cases were reported nationwide. The states of Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria were particularly affected. It is important to ensure that you have very good protection against day-active mosquitoes; vaccination may be advisable.
Japanese encephalitis
Australia
After the virus was detected in wild boars and mosquitoes during routine environmental monitoring in December last year, the health authorities in the states of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) warned of transmission to humans. The first suspected case in humans has already been reported in Victoria. In mid-January this year, a man in the state of Queensland fell ill. In mid-February, a case was reported in New South Wales; the infection occurred in December or January. Pay careful attention to mosquito protection and consider vaccination if necessary.
Pertussis
Australia
By mid-February this year, around 6,430 cases had been reported. Last year, around 57,145 cases were reported nationwide, most of them in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. A baby has died. These are the highest number of cases since 1991. In 2023, a total of around 2,440 cases were recorded nationwide. Before staying abroad, standard vaccinations should always be checked and supplemented if necessary.
Ross River fever
Australia
Since the beginning of this year, around 145 cases have already been reported. Around 3,340 cases were reported nationwide last year. The state of Queensland is particularly affected. Take precautions against mosquitoes.
Chikungunya
Brazil
In the first 6 weeks of this year, around 24,070 suspected cases were reported nationwide. 7 people have died. Last year, around 422,615 suspected cases and 213 deaths were reported nationwide. In 2023, around 256,930 suspected cases were registered nationwide, and around 146,250 infections were confirmed. 106 people died. In mid-2014, health authorities reported the first local infections. Since then, the infection has spread nationwide. Be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Dengue
Brazil
There is a high risk of dengue throughout the country. Since the beginning of this year, around 399,150 suspected cases have been reported nationwide. 72 people have died. The state of São Paulo is particularly affected. Last year, around 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 that you have very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Yellow fever
Brazil
In the state of São Paulo, 11 infections have already been confirmed this year. 8 people have died. In the state of Tocantins, a worker from Peru fell ill in mid-February. The Ministry of Health has warned tourists of an increase in the number of cases and advised them to get vaccinated. Last year, 8 infections in humans were confirmed nationwide. There were 4 deaths. Vaccination is recommended for stays in Brazil.
Oropouche fever
Brazil
Since the beginning of this year, 4,310 infections have already been reported. Most cases were registered in the state of Espirito Santo (SW). Last year, the number of confirmed infections nationwide rose to around 13,780, and 4 people died. In 2023, 832 cases were confirmed nationwide, most of them from the state of Amazonas (NW). 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. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Rabies
Brazil
Worldwide, most infections are transmitted by (stray) dogs, in Brazil there is also transmission through contact with bats and marmosets. According to the Ministry of Health, 108 cases were confirmed nationwide between 2005 and 2024, most of them from the northeast. The risk of rabies should always be part of travel medical advice, also in view of the limited availability of suitable vaccines and immunoglobulin in the country. Prophylactic vaccination is recommended, especially for longer stays.
Intestinal infections
Dominican Republic
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. The Dominican Republic is one of the holiday countries with the highest number of cases of travel diarrhea. Since October 2022, around 110 cholera infections have been reported. One person has died. The majority were registered in the capital, Santo Domingo. Pay attention to hygiene, possibly consider vaccination.
Dengue
Dominican Republic
Since the beginning of this year, around 150 suspected cases have been registered. Last year, around 10,250 cases were registered. 12 people died. In 2023, around 27,970 suspected cases were registered. 62 people died. Very good protection against day-active mosquitoes is important, and vaccination is also 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 not possible (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Malaria
Dominican Republic
By the end of January this year, 1,190 cases had been reported. Last year, around 1,035 infections were confirmed, and the number of cases has roughly tripled compared to the previous year. Very good mosquito protection is always a must, and taking emergency medication with you can be a good idea 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 occurs repeatedly among locals in both the cutaneous and intestinal forms. Pay attention to hygiene and vaccinations.
Dengue
India
Around 186,570 cases were registered nationwide by October last year. 160 people have died. The states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are particularly affected. In 2023, around 234,430 cases and 91 deaths were reported. In 2022, around 233,250 infections and 303 deaths were recorded. Very good protection against day-active mosquitoes is important, 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 registered nationwide. 93 people died. Most infections were again registered 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 last year, around 238,500 cases have been reported nationwide. 47 people have died. Most of the infections come from the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. In 2023, around 223,960 cases were registered, 72 people have died. Very good mosquito protection should always be observed, it is usually advisable to take emergency medication with you and, depending on the outbreak, chemoprophylaxis should also be discussed.
Safety note
India
Travel to Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur is currently strongly discouraged. Demonstrations and large gatherings of people should generally be avoided and the instructions of the security forces should be followed. In addition, current media reports should be followed during a 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 (S), the number of bites by stray dogs has more than doubled since 2017 and the number of rabies deaths has roughly tripled. The main carrier is the (stray) dog. The big cities are also affected. If you have suspicious contact with an animal, see a doctor immediately and make sure that modern tissue culture vaccines are used. A preventive vaccination is recommended for all travelers.
Zika virus
India
In the state of Gujarat (W), 500 people have fallen ill by the beginning of November last year. Since June last year, 109 infections and 5 deaths have been confirmed in the city of Pune (state of Maharashtra, W). The virus is present in large parts of the country. Be careful of mosquito protection.
Intestinal infections
Indonesia
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. Cholera outbreaks are reported sporadically from West Papua, and typhoid is to be expected. Continue to observe hygiene and vaccination against typhoid.
Dengue
Indonesia
According to press reports, 159 cases and 2 deaths were reported in January this year in the Garut district (Jawa Bara province) on the island of Java. By mid-October last year, around 203,921 infections had been confirmed nationwide. 1,210 people have died. It is important to ensure that you have very good protection against day-active mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Entry requirements
Indonesia
Due to the increasing number of monkeypox cases worldwide, the authorities have adjusted the entry requirements. Since August 29, 2024, travelers must fill out the electronic health questionnaire at the Ministry of Health (https://sshp.kemkes.go.id/) before entering the country (departure) and receive a QR code that must be presented at check-in and upon entry.
Poliomyelitis
Indonesia
Last year, 7 infections with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported. In 2023, a total of 6 infections with infections were confirmed on the islands of Sumatra and Java. A child had already fallen ill on the island of Sumatra in November 2022. This is the first case of polio detected in the country since 2019. The emergence of VDPV makes the country a country with a potential risk of international spread of the pathogen. As a result, all persons (locals and tourists) who have stayed in the country for more than 4 weeks should be able to show proof of vaccination against polio upon leaving the country. The vaccination must take place between 4 weeks and one year before departure and be 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 Barat, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan) is not recommended. Large crowds should generally be avoided and the instructions of the security forces should be followed. In addition, current media reports should be followed during a stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Dengue
Maldives
The number of new infections has risen sharply since the end of March last year, and by the end of August around 3,090 people had fallen ill. The number of cases is now significantly higher than the comparable figures for the last 2 years. A total of around 3,420 cases were reported in 2023. Very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes should be ensured, and vaccination is also recommended.
Safety notice
South Africa
The South African National Park Service is making every effort to ensure the safety of tourists in and around the Kruger National Park and has set up the following helpline for travelers to the Mpumalanga province: +27-(0)6630 0 0991. It is recommended that you avoid using the R335 via Motherwell to get to Addo Elephant Park from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and alternatively use the N2 via Colchester. Demonstrations and large crowds should generally be avoided and the instructions of the security forces should be followed. In addition, current media reports should be followed during a stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
South Africa
Since the beginning of last year, 3 deaths have been registered. In 2023, 11 cases were confirmed in humans, compared to 13 in 2022. The provinces of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and 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, an infection in a South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) was confirmed for the first time in Cape Town. By the end of July, 14 more cases had been registered. According to the Cape Town City Council, 8 people have now been bitten and all have been asked to seek treatment. The population should keep themselves and their dogs away from the seals in the entire coastal region of the Cape Peninsula. The most common source of infection for humans is dog bites. If there is contact with such animals, seek medical attention immediately; if there is a foreseeable risk and a longer stay, preventive vaccination is recommended.
Intestinal infections
Tanzania
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. Localized cholera outbreaks occur regularly. There have been outbreaks in 23 regions since September 2023. Pay careful attention to hygiene and consider vaccination if necessary.
Entry requirements
Tanzania
Effective October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (except residents with Tanzanian residency permits) must take out mandatory entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days). This insurance can only be taken out with ZIC. Other international travel insurance policies are not accepted. The policies can be purchased from September 1, 2024. The current cost is USD 44 per person. For more information, see the Visit Zanzibar website (https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/). Entry may be refused if the correct insurance is not shown.
Entry vaccination requirements
Tanzania
The risk of infection with yellow fever in Tanzania is classified by the WHO as low, and vaccination is not generally recommended. According to the official entry vaccination requirements (ITH 2020), a yellow fever vaccination is required for people over 1 year of age when entering from endemic areas. Experience has shown that the regulations change frequently and the information provided by the various authorities differs from one another. The regulations are sometimes interpreted and handled 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. 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 the Kagera district (N). So far, 10 cases have been reported, all patients have died. Suspicion of Marburg virus was confirmed in 2 patients. The greatest risk of infection is contact with body fluids (blood, urine, stool) when caring for patients. Flying foxes are a reservoir of the virus. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals, but infections after visits to so-called bat caves have also been described. The risk of infection for (tourist) travelers is low.
Poliomyelitis
Tanzania
No infections were reported last year. In July 2023, the first infection with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was reported. One further infection was reported at the beginning of September and at the end of December. Due to the emergence of cVDPV2, the country is formally one of the countries with a potential risk of international spread of the pathogen. As a result, all people (locals and tourists) who have stayed in the country for more than 4 weeks must show proof of polio vaccination when leaving the country. The vaccination must take place between 4 weeks and one year before departure and be documented in an internationally valid vaccination certificate. Pay attention to vaccination protection.
Intestinal infections
Thailand
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide, and small outbreaks of cholera are also to be expected locally. Pay attention to hygiene.
Dengue
Thailand
Since the beginning of this year, 4,005 infections and 4 deaths have been reported. Last year, around 102,930 cases and 175 deaths were registered. In 2023, around 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 very good protection against day-active mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Dengue
USA
At the end of November, the first autochthonous infection in the state of Texas last year was reported in Cameron County. In the state of Florida, 74 local infections were reported by the beginning of December last year. The counties affected are Miami-Dade, Pasco, Hillsborough, Monroe, Palm Beach, Broward, Orange, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota. The health authorities in Los Angeles County (California) have recorded 15 local infections since the beginning of September. At the beginning of October, the authorities confirmed a case in San Diego County for the first time. It is important to ensure that you have very good protection against day-active mosquitoes, and vaccination may be recommended if you are staying in affected areas.
Pertussis
USA
Last year, around 32,000 cases were reported by mid-December, which is around six times as many as in the same period last year. A small child died in the state of Washington. Before staying abroad, standard vaccinations should always be checked and supplemented 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, including products containing oxybenzone (BP3) and octinoxate. These substances are suspected of having a harmful effect on corals and other marine life.
Rabies
USA
At the end of November last year, a death was reported in Fresno County (California). The infection was caused by a bat bite. At the end of September, a person around 65 years old died in the state of Minnesota. At the end of July, he had contact with a bat. Human cases of rabies are rare in the USA. After suspicious animal contact, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Bird flu
USA
In January of this year, a child in San Francisco (California) was confirmed to have been infected with influenza A(H5N1). The source of the infection is not yet known. In mid-February, a woman in the state of Wyoming fell ill for the first time. Last year, 70 cases were reported in humans. Most of the illnesses had 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 the state of Louisiana, a patient over 65 years old. In the USA, the outbreak began in birds in 2022, and since then around 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 around 1,000 animals in 16 states.
West Nile fever
USA
By mid-December last year, 1,353 infections and at least 18 deaths had been registered. Most infections come from the states of Texas, California, Mississippi and Nebraska. The peak of the season is from July to October, but transmission is possible all year round. Be careful with mosquito protection.
Intestinal infections
Vietnam
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide, cholera is also endemic. Pay attention to food and drinking water hygiene.
Rabies
Vietnam
In January, the first suspected case of this year was reported in Dak Lak province. By mid-February, 3 more infections had been registered in various provinces. Last year, more than 80 deaths were reported nationwide. The provinces of Binh Thuan, Dak Lak, Nghe An and Gia Lai were particularly affected. In 2023, a total of 82 people died of rabies infection. If there is suspicious contact with animals, a doctor should be consulted immediately. A preventive vaccination is strongly recommended, especially if there is a foreseeable risk and for longer stays. Consultation with a doctor experienced in travel medicine should be carried out well in advance of the trip.
Bird flu
Vietnam
In March last year, an infection with influenza A(H9N2) was reported for the first time in Vietnam. At the beginning of December last year, an 18-year-old man from Long An province contracted influenza A(H5N1). In March, a 21-year-old student contracted influenza A(H5N1) and subsequently died. He had previously caught wild birds. After a break of more than 8 years, a 5-year-old girl became ill with an influenza virus H5 in October 2022. She had eaten meat from sick chickens and ducks. Between 2003 and 2014, a total of 128 people nationwide contracted influenza A(H5N1), and there were 65 deaths. All those affected had evidence of animal contact. Since 2014, numerous outbreaks have been registered in domestic poultry across the country, and more than 129,000 animals have been killed. At the end of May 2023, there was an outbreak in Quang Ngai province with around 1,700 sick ducks. Vaccination of poultry is widespread in the country. Since 2014, outbreaks of influenza A(H5N6) have been reported repeatedly in poultry farms. Since the beginning of 2021, 3 outbreaks have already been reported in 2 provinces. There have been no human cases to date.