On 15 May 2017, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare-Government of India reported three cases of Zika virus disease in Bapunagar area, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat State, India. Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, [...]
There are multiple reports in the media of recent human exposures to rabies in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York North Carolina and South Carolina. On these occasions, people have handled or been bitten by variously: bats, a dog, foxes, a raccoon, a sheep and a skunk, all of [...]
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 [...]
