Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster. In fact, you can only get Shingles if you’ve had chickenpox. That’s because when chickenpox heals, the virus that caused it remains in your body. It lies dormant (asleep) in your nervous system, but can reactivate (awaken) at any time. It’s your immune system’s [...]
200 million people are affected by malaria each year worldwide. Currently there is no effective vaccine licensed for the prevention of malaria. Although several effective strategies are in place to prevent infection. Malaria is a serious and life threatening disease. In the UK (2015) 81% of malaria cases were from VFR i.e. those visiting friends [...]
Avian Flu 2017 Update There have been no new human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2017. From 2011 to 2015, 32 to 145 confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) were reported to WHO annually. In 2016, there were 10 cases in Egypt. Governments remain vigilant and [...]
Chikungunya (pronunciation: chik-en-gun-ye) virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans the Americas on islands in the Caribbean. Recently outbreaks have included Pakistan, Bolivia and Paraquay. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms [...]
Public Health England has made an important announcement. As well as providing protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib, babies will also be given protection against hepatitis B virus. The planned change only involves the type of vaccine used. There is no change to the immunisation schedule and the current planning assumption is [...]
Travelers should be protected against Cholera by vaccination when entering areas at risk. One of the most at risk groups of visitors are not holiday and business travelers, but those classed as ‘visiting friends and relatives’ or VFR. This is particularly the case with Malaria prophylaxis. Researchers are reporting a link between a climate phenomenon [...]
Professor Jayne Lawrence of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society gave an insightful presentation to Travel Medicine Professionals recently. Here are just a few of her insights. You will need more information and advice to help ensure your holiday is safe and fun, but remember sun protection starts at home. Ask your local Pharmacist or travel [...]
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. It's now uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of vaccination. Mar 2017 On the 19 March 2017, there were four reported cases of measles, linked to travellers returning to Western Australia, following a holiday in [...]
On 24 February 2017 the Hidalgo County Health Department reported a Zika case from the City of McAllen. No travel history outside Hidalgo County has been established and further investigation is ongoing. The last locally acquired case in Texas was reported on 25 January 2017. Zika Virus is most commonly spread by mosquito bites, [...]
The WHO updated yellow fever vaccination recommendations for Brazil on 6 March 2017 in relation to an ongoing outbreak of the disease in Brazil. Yellow Fever virus transmission continues to expand into areas in Brazil that were not previously deemed to be a risk. A vaccine is available for to protect against yellow fever [...]
