Malaria
Ethiopia
Since the beginning of this year, around 5.9 million cases and 1,023 deaths have been reported. The regions of Oromia, Amhara, Southwest Ethiopia (SWEPRS), South Ethiopia and Benishangul Gumuz are particularly affected. The country has been experiencing an increase in the number of malaria cases for several years. Very good mosquito protection should always be observed, it is usually advisable to take emergency medication with you and, depending on the outbreak situation and travel route, chemoprophylaxis is also recommended.
Dengue
France
Since the beginning of July this year, 80 local infections have been confirmed in the south of the country, affecting the regions of Occitania, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The first local infections were reported in France in 2010. Be sure to protect yourself against the predominantly diurnal carrier mosquitoes. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Typhus
Kiribati
Since mid-June this year, the authorities have reported an outbreak with 112 infections so far. Careful food and drinking water hygiene should be observed, and vaccination may be recommended.
Marburg hemorrhagic fever
Rwanda
At the end of September this year, the Ministry of Health confirmed the first outbreak in the country. So far, around 60 cases have been reported, and 15 people have died. The original source of infection is not yet known. The reservoir is fruit bats and bats. The greatest risk is contact with body fluids (blood, urine, stool) when caring for patients. The risk for travelers is low.
Measles
Thailand
This year, a sharp increase in the number of cases has been reported, particularly in the south of the country. Before traveling abroad, standard vaccinations should always be checked and supplemented if necessary.
West Nile fever
Ukraine
According to press reports, 88 infections and 11 deaths have been reported in various regions since the beginning of July this year. The virus is transmitted from one host to another by mosquitoes. It mainly infects birds, but can also spread to humans, horses and other mammals. Be sure to take mosquito protection measures.
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, 1,875 cases have been reported nationwide. The states of Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria are once again particularly affected. Pay attention to protection against day-active mosquitoes. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Pertussis
Australia
By the end of October, around 37,000 cases had already been reported nationwide, most of them in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. These are the highest number of cases since 2016. Last year, 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
Around 3,170 cases were reported nationwide this year. The state of Queensland is particularly affected. Pay attention to mosquito protection.
Chikungunya
Brazil
Around 398,205 suspected cases and 180 deaths were reported this year. Most of the cases come from the state of Minas Gerais, where the authorities declared a health emergency at the end of January this year due to the epidemiological situation. The states of Mato Grosso and Bahia are also badly affected. Last year, around 256,930 suspected cases were registered nationwide, and around 146,250 infections were confirmed. 106 people died. Compared to the same period last year, the number of cases has increased significantly. In 2022, a total of around 265,300 suspected cases were reported. 75 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 9,766,050 suspected cases and 5,602 confirmed deaths have been registered nationwide. Compared to the same period last year, the number of cases has more than 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 cases of illness and around 930 deaths were recorded. Be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes that are mainly active during the day. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Yellow fever
Brazil
In mid-October, a teenager from neighboring Guyana fell ill in the state of Roraima. This year, 3 infections have been confirmed in humans. 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 this year, around 3,230 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, further illnesses 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 8,260, and 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. Take precautions against mosquitoes.
Intestinal infections
Dominican Republic
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. The Dominican Republic is one of the holiday destinations with the highest number of cases of traveler’s 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
Since the beginning of this year, around 9,150 cases have been registered. 9 people have died. Last year, around 25,470 suspected cases were registered. 23 people have died. In 2022, around 10,440 suspected cases were reported. 42 people have 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. Be careful of mosquito protection. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
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).
West Nile fever
Greece
Since the beginning of July this year, 270 cases of the disease have been registered in several regions. 17 people have died. The infection occurs sporadically in Greece, especially in the northern regions. Be careful of mosquito protection.
Chandipura virus (CHPV)
India
Since the beginning of June this year, health authorities in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have registered an increase in cases of encephalitis (Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, AES). In the state of Gujarat, 61 infections with the Chandipura virus (CHPV) have been confirmed since the beginning of June. 3 further confirmed cases come from the state of Rajasthan. Transmission occurs through mosquitoes and sand flies.
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 in both the cutaneous and intestinal forms among locals. Pay attention to hygiene and vaccinations.
Dengue
India
Around 32,100 cases were registered nationwide by the end of June this year. 32 people have died. The states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are particularly affected. Last year, around 234,430 cases and 91 deaths were reported. In 2022, around 233,250 infections and 303 deaths were recorded. Be sure to protect yourself from day-active vector mosquitoes (Aedes species). A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Japanese encephalitis
India
In the first 9 months of this year, 945 cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) were registered nationwide. 68 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 of this year, around 151,520 cases have been reported nationwide. 34 people have died. Most infections come from the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Last year, 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 notice
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
This year, 16 people have 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 have died of rabies this year. In March of this year, one case of the disease and 3 deaths were reported in the state of Manipur (NE). Last year, 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 with the highest number of cases in animals and humans worldwide. A total of around 310 people died in 2022. The main carrier is the (stray) dog. The big cities are also affected. If you have suspicious contact with animals, 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
Since June this year, 108 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 mosquitoes.
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
By mid-September this year, around 197,396 infections had been confirmed nationwide. 1,161 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, vaccination is recommended for tourists and locals. Be careful of the predominantly diurnal carrier mosquitoes. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Indonesia
Due to the increasing number of monkeypox cases worldwide, the authorities have adjusted the entry regulations. As of 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) and receive a QR code that must be presented at check-in and upon entry.
Poliomyelitis
Indonesia
This year, 7 infections with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported. Last year, 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 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 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.
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 this 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. Be sure to protect yourself against the predominantly diurnal carrier mosquitoes. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
West Nile fever
Austria
48 cases have been reported since the end of July this year. The Vienna area, northern Burgenland and the Weinviertel are affected. The infection occurs sporadically in Austria. The virus is transmitted from one host to the next by mosquitoes. It mainly infects birds, but can also spread to humans, horses and other mammals. Be careful of mosquito protection.
Ticks
Austria
During the warm season there is a risk of tick-borne diseases, in large parts of the country also of TBE, which can lead to encephalitis. Be careful of tick bites. If you are staying in an infected area, vaccination may be recommended after an individual risk assessment.
Dengue
Spain
Since the beginning of September, 8 locally acquired infections have been registered in the province of Tarragona (Catalonia). These are the first this year. Be careful of the predominantly diurnal carrier mosquitoes. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
Spain
This year, one infection was acquired in the province of Salamanca (Castile and León region) and one in the province of Toledo (Castile-La Mancha region). Between 2013 and 2022, a total of 12 infections were reported, and 4 patients died. The regions of Castile and León and Extremadura in the northwest of the country are affected. The pathogen is usually transmitted by ticks, but occasionally from person to person. Exposure prophylaxis (e.g. repellents, covering clothing) and early tick removal are recommended.
West Nile fever
Spain
This year, 30 infections were reported in the Andalusia region, most of them in the province of Seville. 12 infections were recorded in the Extremadura region. The virus is transmitted from one host to the next by mosquitoes. It mainly infects birds, but can also spread to humans, horses and other mammals. Be sure to use mosquito repellent.
Safety notice
South Africa
Given the significant social differences in the country and not least due to the worsening electricity supply crisis, protests and demonstrations may occur. Violent clashes and traffic disruptions cannot be ruled out. For example, there have already been repeated violent actions in the Emalahleni area (on the main connecting road between Johannesburg and tourist destinations in the east of the country, such as the Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger National Park). The electricity crisis with frequent and prolonged power outages continues. These lead to temporary power outages, including in private accommodation, shops, banks and ATMs, public lighting, traffic lights and security systems. The power outages can also affect the 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 Tourism Security Unit of the Western Cape Government recommends that travelers do not go hiking alone and only in groups. There have recently been several robberies of tourists, especially on the hiking trails around Table Mountain (Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill) in Cape Town. For safety reasons, the South African National Park Service recommends that travelers refrain from using the so-called Numbi Gate when entering the Kruger National Park and use alternative entrance gates. When traveling to Addo Elephant Park from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), it is recommended that you avoid using the R335 via Motherwell 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
Since the beginning of this year, 3 deaths have been registered. Last year, 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 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; preventive vaccination is recommended if the risk is foreseeable and the stay is longer.
Intestinal infections
Tanzania
Risk of diarrhea nationwide. Localized cholera outbreaks occur regularly. There have been outbreaks in 21 regions since September last year. 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 a Tanzanian residence permit) 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. Further information is available on the Visit Zanzibar website (https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/). Entry may be refused if the correct insurance is not proven.
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.
Infections, vector-borne
malaria
Tanzania
After the disease was considered almost eliminated on the Zanzibar and Pemba islands 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 should always be observed, and chemoprophylaxis is also recommended.
Poliomyelitis
Tanzania
In July last year, the first infection with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was reported. 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 the pathogen spreading internationally. As a result, all people (locals and tourists) who have stayed in the country for more than 4 weeks must show that they have been vaccinated against polio when they leave 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.
Safety note
Tanzania
Unnecessary travel to the southern part of the Mtwara region (immediate border region with Mozambique) is not recommended (www.auswaertiges-amt.de).
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, around 86,250 cases and 70 deaths have been registered. Last year, 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. Pay attention to protection against day-active mosquitoes. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Measles
Thailand
This year, a sharp increase in the number of cases has been reported, particularly in the south of the country. Before staying abroad, standard vaccinations should always be checked and supplemented if necessary.
Dengue
USA
In the state of Florida, 37 local infections were reported by mid-September this year. The counties affected are Miami-Dade, Monroe, Hillsborough, Orange, Pasco, Manatee and Palm Beach. Health authorities in Los Angeles County (California) have recorded 5 local infections since the beginning of September. At the beginning of October, authorities confirmed a case in San Diego County for the first time. Be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes that are mainly active during the day. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Pertussis
USA
This year, around 15,700 cases were reported by mid-September, which is about five times as many as in the same period last year. 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 September this year, a 65-year-old man 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 animal contact, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
West Nile fever
USA
By mid-October this year, 1,060 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 diarrhea nationwide, cholera is also endemic. Be careful of food and drinking water hygiene.
Dengue
Vietnam
Since the beginning of this year, around 89,400 cases of illness and 15 deaths have been registered nationwide. Last year, around 166,620 infections and 42 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. Be sure to protect yourself against mosquitoes that are mainly active during the day. A vaccination has been available since February 2023.
Rabies
Vietnam
Since the beginning of this year, 60 deaths have been reported. Last year, a total of 82 people died of rabies infection. If you have suspicious contact with animals, you should see a doctor immediately. A 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.
Avian flu
Vietnam
In March of 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 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 fell ill with influenza A(H5N1), and there were 65 deaths. All of those affected were found to have had 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 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 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 of illness to date.