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 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. Be careful to protect yourself from mosquitoes and consider vaccination if necessary.
Yellow fever
Brazil
In the state of São Paulo, 2 infections have already been confirmed this year. Last year, a total of 3 infections in humans were confirmed. One case of illness and one death were reported in the state of São Paulo, and one person died in the state of Amazonas. Vaccination is recommended for stays in Brazil.
Malaria
Dominican Republic
By the end of December last year, around 1,035 infections had been confirmed, and the number of cases has tripled compared to the previous year. Very good mosquito protection should always be observed, and taking emergency medication with you can be useful for many parts of the country.
Dengue
Guadeloupe
The number of cases has been rising significantly since October 2022. Around 250 suspected cases have already been reported since the beginning of this year. Last year, 11,025 suspected cases were reported. In 2023, around 11,750 suspected cases were registered, compared to 790 in the whole of the previous year. 7 people have died. The municipalities of Petit-Bourg, Basse-Terre and Vieux-Habitants are particularly affected. Very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes is important, and vaccination is also recommended.
Malaria
Namibia
According to press reports, the number of cases in the endemic areas in the north of the country has increased since the beginning of November last year. By the end of December, a total of around 3,175 cases and 19 deaths had been reported. Very good mosquito protection is always required; depending on the outbreak situation and travel route, taking emergency medication or chemoprophylaxis with you is recommended.
Dengue
Sudan
In January of this year, 126 suspected cases were reported in the state of Gharb Kurdufan (S). 5 people died. Last year, more than 6,000 cases and 3 deaths were registered nationwide. Very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes is important; vaccination may be useful.
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, 23 infections have been reported, most of them in the states of Western Australia and New South Wales. Last year, around 2,320 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 diurnal 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 warned of transmission to humans. The first suspected human case has already been reported in Victoria. In mid-January this year, a man in the state of Queensland fell ill. Be careful with mosquito protection and consider vaccination if necessary.
Pertussis
Australia
By mid-January this year, 1,700 cases had been reported. Last year, around 56,980 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 2016. In 2023, a total of around 2,440 cases were recorded nationwide. Before staying abroad, standard vaccination protection should always be checked and supplemented if necessary.
Ross River fever
Australia
15 cases have already been reported since the beginning of this year. Around 3,340 cases were reported nationwide last year. The state of Queensland is particularly affected. Be careful with mosquito protection.
Chikungunya
Brazil
253 infections have already been reported in the first 2 weeks of this year. 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 careful with mosquito protection.
Dengue
Brazil
There is a high risk of dengue throughout the country. Since the beginning of this year, around 9,380 suspected cases have already been reported. Last year, around 10,188,220 suspected cases and 6,052 confirmed deaths were registered nationwide. Compared to the previous year, the number of cases has more than tripled. The authorities in 7 of the 27 federal states (Acre, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and the Federal District) have declared a health emergency due to the epidemiological situation. In 2023, around 3,028,600 suspected cases were registered nationwide, and 1,094 people died. It is important to ensure very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Yellow fever
Brazil
In the state of São Paulo, 2 infections have already been confirmed this year. Last year, a total of 3 infections in humans were confirmed. One case of illness and one death were reported in the state of São Paulo, and one person died in the state of Amazonas. Vaccination is recommended for stays in Brazil.
Oropouche fever
Brazil
Since the beginning of last year, around 3,230 infections have been confirmed in the state of Amazonas. At the end of February, one case of illness was reported in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Since the beginning of February, further cases have been reported in the states of Rondonia, Acre, Para, Roraima and Tocantins. Outside the Amazon region, the following states are affected: Bahia, Espírito Santo, Santa Catarina, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Piaui, Pernambuco, Ceará and Maranhao. In March, a 24-year-old woman died in the state of Bahia. Nationwide, the number of cases has risen to around 9,565, 2 people have died. 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. Observe mosquito protection.
Intestinal infections
Dominican Republic
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. The Dominican Republic is one of the holiday destinations 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, consider vaccination if necessary.
Dengue
Dominican Republic
Last year, around 10,250 cases were registered. 12 people died. In 2023, around 27,970 suspected cases were registered. 62 people died. It is important to ensure that you have very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes, and vaccination is also recommended.
Entry requirements
Dominican Republic
The Dominican government has completely sealed off 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 December last year, around 1,035 infections had been confirmed, and the number of cases has tripled compared to the previous year. Very good mosquito protection should always be observed, and taking emergency medication with you can be useful for many parts of the country.
Intestinal infections
India
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. Cholera can be expected regionally. Typhoid, paratyphoid and the orally transmitted forms of hepatitis are endemic throughout India. Anthrax is a recurring problem 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. It is important to ensure very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes, 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 infections come from the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. In 2023, around 223,960 cases were registered and 72 people 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 advice
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).
Smog
India
Air pollution is currently extremely high in New Delhi and in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) surrounding the capital. Burning crop residues in the fields in the area regularly increases pollution, particularly from fine dust, at this time of year. Young children, the elderly and those with chronic respiratory diseases are particularly at risk. They are advised to stay indoors during peak periods, avoid physical exertion and possibly wear breathing masks. Travelers should follow local media reports closely.
Rabies
India
Last year, 16 people died in the state of Meghalaya (NE), with the districts of West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills particularly affected. In the state of Tamil Nadu (S), 22 people died of rabies last year. In March last year, one case of the disease and 3 deaths were reported in the state of Manipur (NE). In 2023, deaths were reported in several states. In September 2023, the first death since 2017 was reported in the state of Goa (W). India is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of cases in animals and humans. A total of around 310 people died in 2022. The main carrier is the (stray) dog. The big cities are also affected. In the event of suspicious animal contact, seek medical attention 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 had 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, typhoid is to be expected. Continue to observe hygiene and vaccination against typhoid.
Dengue
Indonesia
By mid-September last year around 203,921 infections had been confirmed nationwide. 1,210 people have died. The health authorities in the province of Bali have warned tourists of an increase in the number of cases and according to press reports they and locals are being advised to get vaccinated. It is important to ensure 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 the pathogen spreading internationally. As a result, all people (locals and tourists) who have stayed in the country for more than 4 weeks should be able to show proof of polio vaccination upon departure. The vaccination must take place between 4 weeks and one year before departure and be documented in an internationally valid vaccination certificate.
Safety note
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 is important, and vaccination is also recommended.
Safety notice
South Africa
The South African National Park Administration 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 instead use the N2 via Colchester. 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
South Africa
3 deaths have been registered since the beginning of last year. In 2023, 11 cases were confirmed in humans, and in 2022 there were 13. 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 also been bitten, all of whom 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; preventive vaccination is recommended if there is a foreseeable risk and the stay is longer.
Intestinal infections
Tanzania
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. Localized outbreaks of cholera 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
With effect from 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 cost is currently USD 44 per person.
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 older than 1 year 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.
Poliomyelitis
Tanzania
The first infection with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was reported in July 2023. Another 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 persons (locals and tourists) who have stayed in the country for more than 4 weeks must show proof of vaccination against polio when leaving the country. The vaccination must be carried out between 4 weeks and one year before departure and must be documented in an internationally valid vaccination certificate. Pay attention to vaccination protection.
Intestinal infections
Thailand
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide, local smaller outbreaks of cholera are also to be expected. Pay attention to hygiene.
Dengue
Thailand
Since the beginning of last year, around 102,930 cases of illness and 175 deaths have been 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 that you have 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 28,170 cases were reported by mid-November, which is around five times as many as in the same period last year. Before staying abroad, you should always check your standard vaccinations and supplement them if necessary.
Safety notice
USA
The northern Los Angeles metropolitan area is currently affected by several, sometimes severe, wildfires. In addition, new fires keep breaking out in different places. Evacuation measures are in force for individual areas. Power outages can occur throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area, even far away from fires. There is also an increased risk of bush and forest fires in other states (Oregon, Washington, etc.), especially in the south and southwest of the USA. The instructions of the security forces and local authorities should be followed, and the latest media reports and announcements from the Los Angeles Fire Department should be followed during a stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
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 aged around 65 died in the state of Minnesota. At the end of July, he had come into contact with a bat. Human cases of rabies are rare in the USA. After suspicious contact with animals, 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. Last year, 66 cases were reported in humans. Most of the illnesses had mild symptoms, such as conjunctivitis and mild flu-like symptoms. Those affected had come into contact with infected dairy cattle. Contact with poultry or infected wild birds led to the death of a patient over 65 in the state of Louisiana. In the USA, the outbreak in birds began 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 of mosquito protection.
Intestinal infections
Vietnam
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide, cholera is also endemic. Pay attention to food and drinking water hygiene.
Dengue
Vietnam
Last year, around 138,345 cases of illness and 26 deaths were registered nationwide. In 2023, around 167,340 infections and 46 deaths were reported. In 2022, around 367,730 cases and 140 deaths were registered. The number of cases was around 5 times higher than in 2021. Very good protection against diurnal mosquitoes is important, and vaccination is also recommended.
Import regulations
Vietnam
From January 1, 2025, the import, possession and use of all electronic cigarettes (including vaporizers, tobacco heaters, etc.) and the associated equipment will be prohibited. Fines of up to 3 billion VND (around 115,000 euros) or up to 15 years in prison are threatened (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
Vietnam
In January, the first suspected case of the year was reported in Dak Lak province. 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 you have suspicious contact with animals, you should see a doctor immediately. Preventive vaccination is strongly recommended, especially if there is a foreseeable risk and for longer stays. Advice from a doctor experienced in travel medicine should be sought well in advance of your 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 contracted an influenza virus H5 in October 2022. It had eaten meat from sick chickens and ducks. Between 2003 and 2014, a total of 128 people nationwide fell ill with influenza A(H5N1), and there were 65 deaths. All of those affected had evidence of contact with animals. 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.
source/ zdroj: https://crm.de/aktuelles/