Dengue
Argentina
As a result of unusually heavy and prolonged rainfall, around 315,950 illnesses and 228 deaths have been recorded nationwide since the beginning of this year. Last year, around 130,290 infections were confirmed and 75 people died. In 2022, 750 people will be ill. Pay attention to protection against diurnal mosquitoes. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Ross River Fever
Australia
Approximately 2,510 cases have already been reported nationwide this year. The state of Queensland is particularly affected. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Dengue
Fiji
Health authorities declared an outbreak at the end of April. In the Western Division, 370 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year, in Ovalau (Eastern Division) there were 72. Pay attention to protection against mosquitoes that are predominantly diurnal. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
measles
Great Britain
Since October last year, the number of cases in Central England (West Midland) has risen sharply, with Birmingham being particularly affected. By mid-April 2024, around 535 infections had been registered in the region and around 1,110 nationwide. The number of cases has also increased in London, with around 270 cases reported so far. Before staying abroad, the standard vaccination protection should always be checked and, if necessary, supplemented.
Dengue
Indonesia
Compared to the previous year, the number of cases has risen sharply. By early April, about 60,300 infections and 455 deaths had been reported nationwide. Bali provincial health authorities have warned tourists of an increase in the number of cases and press reports say they and locals are being recommended to be vaccinated. Pay attention to protection against the predominantly diurnal vector mosquitoes. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Ticks
Switzerland
During the warm season there is a risk of tick-borne diseases, and in certain parts of the country also of TBE, which can lead to brain inflammation. More infections were reported in the first quarter of this year than in the same period last year. Pay attention to protection against tick bites. If you are staying in an infected area, vaccination may be recommended after individual risk assessment.
Intestinal infections
Egypt
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. The Robert Koch Institute has reported an increase in infections with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) among travelers returning, especially 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.
Egypt
A warning is issued against traveling to the north of the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian-Israeli border area (with the exception of Taba) and remote areas of the Sahara. Unaccompanied, individual excursions and overland trips in the south of the Sinai Peninsula are not recommended (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Ross River Fever
Australia
Approximately 2,510 cases have already been reported nationwide this year. The state of Queensland is particularly affected. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Chikungunya
Brazil
This year, around 201,100 suspected cases and 61 deaths have been reported. In the state of Minas Gerais, authorities declared a health emergency at the end of January this year due to the epidemiological situation. Last year, around 256,930 suspected cases were registered nationwide and around 146,250 infections were confirmed. 106 people have died. Compared to the same period last year, the number of cases has increased significantly. A total of around 265,300 suspected cases were reported in 2022. 75 people died. Health authorities reported the first local infections in mid-2014. Since then, the infection has spread nationwide. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Dengue
Brazil
There is a high risk of dengue throughout the country. Since the beginning of this year, around 4,337,000 suspected cases and 1,601 confirmed deaths have been registered nationwide. Compared to the same period last year, the number of cases has roughly tripled. The authorities in 7 of the 27 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. Last year, around 3,028,600 suspected cases were registered nationwide and 1,094 people died. In 2022, around 2,363,500 illnesses and around 930 deaths were recorded. Pay attention to protection against mosquitoes that are predominantly diurnal. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Oropouche fever
Brazil
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 2,540 infections have been confirmed in the state of Amazonas. At the end of February, an illness was reported in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Since the beginning of February, additional illnesses have been reported in the states of Rondonia, Acre, Para, Roraima and Bahia. The number of cases nationwide has risen to around 3,355. The virus is transmitted by midges and predominantly nocturnal mosquitoes. The disease leads to an acute febrile syndrome including joint and limb pain as well as vomiting. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
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. A person has died. The majority were registered in the capital, Santo Domingo. Pay attention to hygiene and possibly consider vaccination.
Dengue
Dominican Republic
Since the beginning of this year, around 7,400 illnesses have been registered. Last year, around 25,470 suspected cases were registered. 23 people have died. In 2022, around 10,440 suspected cases were reported. 42 people died. The number of cases has roughly tripled in 2022 compared to the previous year. The municipalities of Santiago, Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Santo Domingo Norte, Santo Domingo Este and San José de Ocoa were particularly affected. In 2021, around 3,750 infections and 26 deaths were registered. Pay attention to mosquito protection. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Entry requirements
Dominican Republic
The Dominican government has completely closed 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).
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 again and again in local people in both the cutaneous and intestinal forms. Observe hygiene and vaccination protection.
Dengue
India
About 234,430 illnesses and 91 deaths were reported nationwide last year. The highest number of cases were recorded in the states of Delhi, West Bengal, Chattisgharh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Gujarat. In 2022, approximately 233,250 infections and 303 deaths were recorded. Pay attention to protection against diurnal vector mosquitoes (Aedes species). Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Encephalitis
India
In the first 2 months of this year, 22 cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) were recorded. In 2023, approximately 1,100 cases were officially reported nationwide. 56 people died. The state of Assam was particularly affected. In 2022, 1,109 illnesses and 130 deaths were reported. Most of the infections were again recorded in the state of Assam. Carry out exposure prophylaxis and possibly vaccination!
Malaria
India
In January this year, 9,095 cases were recorded nationwide. A person has died. Most of the infections come from the states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Last year, around 223,960 cases were registered and 72 people died. Very good mosquito protection is always important, it is usually advisable to take emergency medication with you 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 of people should always be avoided and the instructions of the security forces should be followed. Furthermore, current media reports should be followed during your stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
India
In March this year, one illness and three deaths were reported in the state of Manipur (NO). Deaths were reported in several states last year. In September, the first death since 2017 was reported in the state of Goa. India is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of animal and human cases. A total of around 310 people died in 2022. The main transmitter is the (stray) dog. Large cities are also affected. In the event of suspicious animal contact, seek medical attention immediately and pay attention to the use of modern tissue culture vaccines. A preventative vaccination is recommended for all travelers.
Intestinal infections
Indonesia
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. Cholera outbreaks are reported sporadically in West Papua, and typhus is to be expected. Continue to observe hygiene and vaccination protection against typhus.
Dengue
Indonesia
Compared to the previous year, the number of cases has risen sharply. By early April, about 60,300 infections and 455 deaths had been reported nationwide. Bali provincial health authorities have warned tourists of an increase in the number of cases and press reports say they and locals are being recommended to be vaccinated. Pay attention to protection against the predominantly diurnal vector mosquitoes. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Poliomyelitis
Indonesia
Last year, a total of 6 vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) infections were confirmed on the islands of Sumatra and Java. A child on the island of Sumatra was already ill in November 2022. It is the first detection of polio 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 people (locals and tourists) who have stayed in the country for more than 4 weeks should be able to show proof of a 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.
Safety notice
Indonesia
Non-essential travel to the provinces of the Indonesian part of the island of New Guinea (Papua, Papua Barat, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan) is currently discouraged. Larger gatherings of people should always be avoided and the instructions of the security forces should be followed. Furthermore, current media reports should be followed during your stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Bird flu
Indonesia
Since November 2003, the highly pathogenic bird flu caused by Influenza A(H5N1) has spread nationwide with local and regional outbreaks in poultry. More than 10 million animals have so far fallen victim to the animal disease. Since mid-2003, there have been 200 human cases of the disease in Indonesia, 168 of which were fatal. The last human infections were confirmed on the island of Bali in September 2017. Almost all those affected had direct contact with sick or dead animals. Contact with live poultry or sick people should be avoided and hygiene should be observed.
Ticks
Austria
During the warm season there is a risk of tick-borne diseases, and in large parts of the country also of TBE, which can lead to brain inflammation. Pay attention to protection against tick bites. If you are staying in an infected area, vaccination may be recommended after individual risk assessment.
Cholera
South Africa
Since the beginning of December last year, 117 suspected cases have been reported and 6 infections have been confirmed. The province of Limpopo is affected. Last year, around 1,390 suspected cases were registered, 199 infections were confirmed, and 47 people died. In addition to the Gauteng province, the Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces were affected. Pay attention to hygiene and consider vaccination if necessary.
Safety notice
South Africa
Parliamentary elections will take place in South Africa on May 29, 2024 at the national and provincial levels, around which there may be rallies and demonstrations. The electricity crisis continues with frequent and prolonged power outages. These lead to temporary power outages, including in private accommodation, shops, banks and ATMs, public lighting, traffic lights and security systems. The power outages may also impact water supply and quality and continue to lead to restrictions on internet connections and mobile communications. Gas stations can also be temporarily affected. For safety reasons, the South African National Park Administration recommends that travelers avoid using the so-called Numbi Gate when entering the Kruger National Park and use alternative entry gates. To get to Addo Elephant Park from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), it is recommended to avoid using the R335 via Motherwell and alternatively use the N2 via Colchester. Demonstrations and large gatherings of people should always be avoided and the instructions of the security forces should be followed. Furthermore, current media reports should be followed during your stay (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
Rabies
South Africa
Last year, 11 cases were confirmed, one in Limpopo province, five each in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. In 2022, 13 confirmed infections and 6 suspected cases were reported nationwide. The Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces were also particularly affected. A sharp increase in rabid dogs has been observed nationwide since 2022. The most common source of infection is dog bites. In the event of such contact, consult a doctor immediately; if the risk is foreseeable and the stay is long-term, preventative vaccination is recommended.
Intestinal infections
Tanzania
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide. Localized outbreaks of cholera occur regularly. Pay careful attention to hygiene and consider vaccination if necessary.
Entry vaccination requirement
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 regulations (ITH 2020), a yellow fever vaccination is required when entering from endemic areas for people older than 1 year. Experience has shown that the regulations change frequently and the information provided by the various authorities differs. 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 Zanzibari Ministry of Health is published on the Federal Foreign Office website.
Malaria
Tanzania
After the disease was considered almost eliminated on the island group of Zanzibar and Pemba for many years, the number of cases has been increasing again in recent years. The number of cases in Zanzibar has risen sharply since October last year. Very good mosquito protection must always be observed, and chemoprophylaxis is also recommended.
Poliomyelitis
Tanzania
The first infection with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was reported in July last year. Another infection was reported at the beginning of September and the end of December. Due to the occurrence 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 longer than 4 weeks must present a vaccination against polio 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. Observe vaccination protection.
Intestinal infections
Thailand
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide, smaller outbreaks of cholera can also be expected locally. Pay attention to hygiene.
Dengue
Thailand
Since the beginning of this year, around 24,620 illnesses and 21 deaths have been registered. Approximately 159,220 infections and 179 deaths were reported last year. The provinces of Trat, Nan, Chanthaburi, Rayong and Mae Hong Son as well as the capital Bangkok were particularly affected. Pay attention to protection against diurnal mosquitoes. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Heat wave
Thailand
Large parts of the country, especially in the north and central regions, including the capital Bangkok, have been affected by a heat wave with temperatures over 40°C since the beginning of March. Caution is particularly advised for unsuitable travelers who are older, overweight or have previous illnesses (e.g. cardiovascular disease). Travelers should closely monitor media reports and heed local warnings.
Zika virus
Thailand
At the end of November last year, a Dutch tourist and a couple from Germany fell ill after spending time in southern Thailand. Since the beginning of this year, 19 people have fallen ill in the northeast. Last year, more than 750 illnesses were reported in the country. The infection was first detected in Thailand in 2012. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Hepatitis A
USA
According to the CDC, since 2016 there has been an increase in nationwide outbreaks in which infections are transmitted from person to person. Those affected are primarily homeless and addicted people. Around 44,960 infections and 424 deaths have now been reported from 37 states. Most infections were recorded in the states of Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Indiana. Pay careful attention to hygiene measures and possibly consider vaccination.
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 that contain oxybenzone (BP3) and octinoxate. These substances are suspected of having a harmful effect on corals and other marine life.
Intestinal infections
Vietnam
Risk of diarrheal diseases nationwide, cholera is also endemic. Pay attention to food and drinking water hygiene.
Dengue
Vietnam
Since the beginning of this year, around 14,550 illnesses have been registered nationwide. In contrast to the general downward trend, the number of cases in the capital Hanoi has increased significantly. Approximately 166,620 infections and 42 deaths were reported last year. In 2022, around 367,730 illnesses and 140 deaths were registered. The number of cases was around 5 times higher than in 2021. Pay attention to protection against mosquitoes that are predominantly diurnal. Vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Rabies
Vietnam
29 deaths have already been reported since the beginning of this year. Last year, a total of 82 people died from rabies infection. If you have suspicious contact with animals, you should consult a doctor immediately. A preventive vaccination is strongly recommended, especially if the risk is foreseeable and for longer stays. Advice from a doctor experienced in travel medicine should be given in good time before the trip.
Bird flu
Vietnam
In March this year, an infection with influenza A(H9N2) was reported for the first time in Vietnam. In March of this year, a 21-year-old student fell ill with 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 infection with an H5 influenza virus 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. Corresponding animal contacts could be proven for all those affected. Since 2014, numerous outbreaks in domestic poultry have been recorded across the country, with more than 129,000 animals killed. At the end of May last year there was an outbreak in Quang Ngai province with around 1,700 sick ducks. Vaccination of poultry is widespread in the country. Since 2014, outbreaks of influenza A(H5N6) have been repeatedly reported in poultry farms. Since the beginning of 2021, 3 outbreaks have already been reported in 2 provinces. There have been no human illnesses so far.