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Il Comitato svizzero di esperti per la medicina di viaggio (CEMV) - un organo della Società svizzera di medicina tropicale e dei viaggi (FMH) - ha ridisegnato il sito web Safetravel® e lo ha rinominato HealthyTravel.ch. Il sito web continua a offrire gratuitamente raccomandazioni di base di medicina di viaggio per i viaggiatori. I professionisti possono anche abbonarsi a informazioni e raccomandazioni addizionali sulla medicina di viaggio, come informazioni approfondite specifiche per paese, raccomandazioni di vaccinazione con opinioni di esperti, mappe dettagliate (incluse le raccomandazioni sulla malaria), fogli informativi (incluse, per esempio, informazioni sul dosaggio della profilassi della malaria) e altri importanti contenuti sulla medicina di viaggio. Questi possono essere utilizzati per le consultazioni di medicina di viaggio con pazienti e clienti e possono essere compilati individualmente per i viaggiatori, stampati o inviati elettronicamente.

Le raccomandazioni e i contenuti di HealthyTravel.ch corrispondono alle raccomandazioni del Comitato svizzero di esperti per la medicina di viaggio. Sono sviluppati in collaborazione con l'Ufficio federale della sanità pubblica (UFSP). Il sito è in costruzione e sarà continuamente ampliato con contenuti e aggiornamenti addizionali. Si prega di ricordare che tutti i contenuti disponibili sul sito web HealthyTravel.ch sono protetti da copyright e non possono essere ceduti a terzi.

Maggiori informazioni possono essere trovate nel volantino (LINK). Il Comitato svizzero di esperti per la medicina di viaggio sarà lieto di rispondere a qualsiasi domanda su info@healthytravel.ch!

ECTM_Flyer_HealthyTravel_PRO_EN_October_2022.pdf

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported meningococcal meningitis outbreaks in countries within the "meningitis belt." Since December 2022 through mid-January, the epidemic threshold has been exceeded in Niger, Zinder Region and Nigeria, Jigawa State. Other countries provide an alert (increase in cases without reaching the epidemic threshold): Benin: Borgou region (Bembereke district and Sinende district), Aliboro region (Gogounou district), Burkina Faso: Sud-Ouest region (Batié district), Chad: Ennedi province, (Amdjarasse district), DR Congo: Maindombe province, Kiri health zone, and Sud-Ubangi zone, Zongo health zone, Nigeria: Akwa Ibom state, Senegal: Dakar region (Dakar Centre district), South Sudan: Unity State (in the north of the country), Togo: Savane region (district of Oti Sud).

Seasonal meningitis epidemics occur in sub-Saharan Africa primarily during the dry season, usually from December to June. They decline rapidly with the onset of rains. Generally, meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and X are responsible for these outbreaks. The disease spreads through droplets from person to person. If symptoms (high fever, severe headache and vomiting) occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately and antibiotic therapy started, as the disease can lead to life-threatening conditions within hours. As prophylaxis, vaccination against the main meningitis strains is available for adults and children over 1 year of age.

Vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo® or Nimenrix®) is recommended for stays >30 days or even for shorter stays, depending on the individual risk (e.g., close contact with people, work in health care facilities, heavily occupied accommodation, risk of epidemics). In case of alerts and epidemics, vaccination is recommended for stays >7 days or close contact with the population.

WHO Meningits Bulletin

On 20 November 2022, a suspected yellow fever case was reported from Dabola Health District, Faranah Health Region, in Guinea. The case is a 9-year-old child who died and whose yellow fever vaccination status is unknown. Two tests confirmed the yellow fever infection.

Vaccination against yellow fever is highly recommended for stays in Guinea.

WHO AFRO, 15.1.2023

The Kano State government in northern Nigeria has confirmed an outbreak of diphtheria in 13 local government areas of the state, with more than 100 suspected cases and at least three deaths. There have also been reports from Lagos, Osun and Yobe states.

Diphtheria is a bacterial, highly contagious infection that usually manifests with sore throat and can be fatal without immediate administration of diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. Vaccination is extremely effective in preventing this disease. The disease is more common in developing countries where the population is insufficiently vaccinated.

In addition to the basic immunization against diphtheria, persons traveling to or working in a country with diphtheria outbreaks should receive a booster 10 years after the last dose of diphtheria vaccine.

Outbreak News Today, 22.1.2023

The Thailand Bureau of Epidemiology reported a 61% increase in melioidosis cases last year compared to 2021 reports. According to disease surveillance data, 3'559 melioidosis patients were reported from 70 of Thailand's 77 provinces.

Melioidosis is a disease caused by the bacterium B. pseudomallei. It lives in soil and surface water, especially in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. You can become infected when the bacterium enters through a break in your skin or when you inhale or swallow it. Melioidosis is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate medical attention.

Avoid contact with soil/surface water, especially on minor wounds. Skin injuries should be disinfected. Wear protective clothing when wading through water.

Outbreak News Today, 23.1.2023

During the week of the 2 to 8 January 2023, nearly 2.9 million new cases and more than 11'000 deaths were reported worldwide. This represents a 9% and 12% decrease in weekly cases and deaths, respectively. However, these trends must be considered taking into account the decline in testing and reporting delays in many countries during the year-end vacation season. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 659 million confirmed cases and more than 6.6 million deaths have been reported worldwide.

For travelers returning from China, please note that there are entry restrictions for many countries. For travelers with Chinese passports, it is advised to check the restrictions in the destination country. Most European countries require a PCR test for travelers from China.

WHO, Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19 - 11 January 2023

A sharp increase in reports was observed last year in La Réunion, with 165 cases of leptospirosis. A total of 3 people have died from the disease. Usually, an accumulation of cases is observed from November to April.
Leptospires are transmitted through the urine of rodents (mainly rats), for example, in water residues (rivulets, puddles, etc.) or mud. Transmission to humans occurs via small skin lesions or mucosal contacts through direct or indirect contact with rodent urine. The clinical picture ranges from flu-like general symptoms to aseptic meningitis and sepsis.

Wear waterproof protective clothing/boots when wading through water! Cuts or scratches should be covered with waterproof bandages. Vaccination for travelers is not available.

Clicanoo, 6.1.2023

Uganda's Ministry of Health has declared the recent Ebola outbreak caused by the Sudan virus (SVD) to be over. This declaration follows a period of 42 days (twice the maximum incubation period for Sudan virus infections) since the last patient tested negative for the second time and no new cases have been reported. Since the outbreak declaration on 20 September 2022, a total of 164 cases with 77 deaths have been reported from nine districts.

Although the outbreak was successfully contained despite the lack of specific therapeutics and vaccines, surveillance and detection capabilities need to be strengthened.

WHO AFRO, 8.1.2023

There is currently a very high rate of COVID-19 transmission in China. The actual number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in China is unclear to date, and underreporting is assumed.

Reconsider traveling to China, Hong Kong, and Macao due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and limited healthcare resources. If you do travel, follow the COVID-19 prevention measures (link FOPH) to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection.

WHO, 14.1.2023

Chinese New Year officially starts on 22 January 2023, with celebrations culminating with the Lantern Festival on 5 February 2023. The festival is likely to attract big crowds and international visitors, with movement of people within China expected to increase. Large crowds in small areas increase risk of accidents and spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and flu (influenza).
China is currently experiencing a large COVID-19 outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring this evolving situation very closely and there are increasing reports of severe disease in the country.

If considering a visit despite COVID-19 pandemic, the following precautions are recommended:

General:

COVID-19: Observe current situation, entry and return travel regulations, and precautions regarding COVID-19 in the country! Follow strict personal hygiene.
Mass events may favor gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, therefore: follow good personal and food hygiene.
The risk of accidents may also be increased (CAVE alcohol!).
To avoid sexually transmitted diseases (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.): follow safer sex practices (condoms).
Avian influenza is particularly prevalent in China. Contact with poultry and their droppings should be avoided. Do not visit bird and poultry markets/farms, do not import poultry meat from China. Travelers should also wash their hands frequently with soap and water.

Recommended vaccinations and other health risks: see country page China

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