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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

Burkina Faso: More than 3,100 suspected dengue cases are reported weekly across the country, a significant increase from the average number of new cases. More than 11,500 cases have been reported since January 2023, mainly in the Centre and Hauts-Bassins regions.

Côte d'Ivoire: According to the WHO Regional Office, more than 2,400 cases of dengue fever (of which > 230 were laboratory-confirmed) were reported between mid-June and 19 August 2023; this is also a significant increase. Cases have been registered throughout the country, but mainly in the autonomous district of Abidjan.

Optimal protection against mosquito bites around the clock, also in cities (during the day against chikungunya, dengue, Zika and other viruses, at dusk and at night against malaria). Take paracetamol preparations if you have a fever and make sure you drink enough fluids. Do not take medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin®), as these increase the risk of bleeding. In case of fever, malaria should always be ruled out by a blood test.

Media, 19.9.2023, diverses

In the Indian state of Assam (north-eastern part of the country), 432 cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) were reported by the end of August, 24 of which were fatal. Cases have increased almost tenfold since the beginning of August 2023.

Ranchi district in Jharkhand state in northern India has also reported an increase in JE cases, although the numbers are still modest, with 12 cases in recent weeks.

The risk for travellers is low. Optimal protection against mosquito bites, especially at dusk and at night.

The indication for vaccination against Japanese encephalitis should be discussed individually and is recommended for:

Long-term (>1 month) stay in endemic rural areas during the transmission period.
Short-term travel (<1 month) to endemic areas during the transmission period, outside urban areas and when activities are planned that increase the risk of JE virus exposure.
Travel to an area with an ongoing outbreak.

Via ProMED 2.9.2023, ProMED 21.9.2023

The number of reported tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases in Sweden has risen sharply this year. According to the health authority, 170 cases were confirmed in the month of August alone. In Sweden, the ticks had favourable conditions this year, as the weather alternated between high temperatures and a lot of precipitation.

Protect yourself against ticks during outdoor activities (see Factsheet Mosquito Protection). Vaccination is recommended when staying in endemic areas. Complete basic immunisation requires three vaccination doses. Protection for a limited period of time already exists after two vaccination doses. These first two vaccinations are usually given one month apart. The third vaccination is given 5-12 months after the second dose, depending on the vaccine. A booster vaccination is indicated after 10 years.

After recreational activities: Always check your body for ticks or tick bites. If redness occurs after a tick bite: Consult a doctor to rule out Lyme disease, which would require antibiotic treatment.

Via ProMED 20.9.2023

According to media reports, a case of canine rabies has been reported in the city of São Paulo in Brazil. The infection was confirmed by the Pasteur Institute. This is the first case of canine rabies since 1983.

The case is still under investigation and has already led to surveillance measures in the region and 367 animals have been vaccinated with rabies vaccine.

Information about rabies and what to do in case of exposure is important for all travelers!

Prevention: Avoid contact with animals! Do not feed animals either! Pre-exposure vaccination (2 injections and a booster after 1 year) is recommended especially for travelers with increased individual risk (traveling with two-wheelers, to remote areas, long-term stays, small children, cave explorers, contact with bats, etc.).

Post-exposure behavior: After an animal bite/scratch: Immediately wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible! For more information: see factsheet rabies.

Via ProMED, 15.9.2023

Five cases of Nipah virus infection, including two deaths, have been reported in Kozhikode, Kerala, since late August. The index case was hospitalized in Kozhikade district on August 28, 2023; the other four cases are either family members or hospital contacts of the index case.
Restrictions such as lockdowns were announced to prevent the spread of the virus. Some schools, colleges and offices have been closed and 7 villages have been declared a containment zone. Wearing masks and using disinfectants were made mandatory in the containment zone. The source of the infection is still under investigation. The last documented case of NiV infection in India occurred in 2021, also in Kozhikade district.
Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic virus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. It was first isolated and identified in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore. Since then, several outbreaks have been reported in South and Southeast Asia.
NiV is most commonly transmitted via fruit bats, a species of bat that is the natural reservoir, through direct or indirect contact with their excreta. Tree fruits or sap produced from them contaminated with bat droppings are often considered a source of infection. Human-to-human transmission has been reported during the care of infected patients. In addition, pigs may also be infected. The spectrum of disease ranges from (usually) asymptomatic courses to flu-like symptoms with high fever, headache, and muscle pain to encephalitis with severe neurologic or even pulmonary complications. Mortality is high (40-70%).

Risk to travelers is low. Follow local instructions. Avoid eating raw fruit juices and unwashed, especially bitten, tree fruits or vegetables. Avoid contact with sick persons and with animals or their excrement. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur. There is neither a vaccination for humans nor a specific treatment.

Via ProMED 14.9.2023

In Bordeaux, in southwestern France, fifteen people were diagnosed with suspected botulism, including 1 death. At least ten persons were hospitalized and eight were treated in intensive care. Type B botulism toxin was detected in serum samples from some of the affected individuals, and sardines tested were positive for Clostridium botulinum type B. All patients reported eating at the same restaurant that served locally produced canned sardines, which were confirmed as the source of infection. The patients were individuals of U.S., British, Canadian, English, French, German, Irish, and Spanish nationality. The product was immediately withdrawn from circulation and control measures are being implemented in the restaurant.

Based on current knowledge, the risk of infection to EU/EEA citizens is considered low, although additional cases related to this event may occur in the coming days. The public is urged to contact their healthcare provider if symptoms occur.

ECDC CDTR, 15.9.2023

Since the first week of August and until September 11, 2023, 14 cases of locally acquired (autochthonous) dengue fever infection have been registered in the Italian regions of Lombardy and 5 cases in the region of Lazio, including Rome. All cases were laboratory-confirmed, and all patients have recovered or are on the road to recovery. Since the beginning of the year, 146 imported dengue cases have been registered in Italy.

It is not uncommon for autochthonous dengue cases to occur in parts of southern Europe during the summer months. Carry out optimal mosquito protection, especially during the day (see factsheet Mosquito and tick bite protection). In case of fever: take paracetamol preparations and ensure sufficient fluid intake. Do not take medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin®), as these increase the risk of bleeding during a dengue infection.

ECDC CDTR, 15.9.2023

In August 2023 alone, 15 cases of leptospirosis were registered in the Lviv region. This is five times more than in the first half of 2022, and 21 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year. According to epidemiological investigations, the infections occurred in the following ways: during contact of damaged skin with infected objects, surfaces (12 cases), through water contact (swimming in reservoirs, fishing) (8 cases) and during consumption of infected food (1 case).

Wear protective waterproof clothing/boots when wading through water! Cut or scratch wounds should be covered with waterproof bandages.

Via ProMED, 13.9.2023

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