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 [...]
The new 2017 yellow fever certificate requirements and recommendations listed in the World Health Organization publication, International Travel and Health have recently been published. Yellow fever vaccination is carried out for two different purposes: To prevent the international spread of the disease by protecting countries from the risk of importing or spreading yellow fever virus. These are [...]
On the 25 January 2017 a government report from the Brazilian Ministry of Health advised that so far in 2017 a total of 485 suspected cases of Yellow Fever (YF) have been reported, of which 19 were discarded, and 69 were confirmed. A total of 96 deaths occurred in the suspected cases, of these 38 were [...]
On the 13 January 2017 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported an increase of hepatitis A among men who have sex with men (MSM). Between February and December 2016, a total of 24 cases of hepatitis A infected with two distinct strains were reported by Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden and the [...]
On the 3 January 2017 the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County issued a rabies alert for Venice and North Port, this alert will be in effect for at least 60 days. The rabies alert was issued following two bobcat (lynx) attacks, and a laboratory confirmed case of rabies in a bobcat. All [...]
Although it is best to have your flu jab as soon as it becomes available in October you can still receive your vaccine up until March. We are about to experience a severe cold spell in the UK and it was reported on the news last night 11/01/2017 that the hospitals are preparing for an [...]
The Chinese New Year takes place on Saturday 28 January. 2017 is the Chinese Year of the Rooster. Human cases of avian (bird) flu are being reported in China, with more cases expected. Visitors to mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan should avoid exposure to wild birds and poultry. This includes staying away from live bird or [...]
Young people starting university or college this autumn are being urged to get a vaccine against meningitis. According to the BBC, 22 people in England got Meningitis W in 2009 in England, compared with almost 200 people in the last 12 months. This is a huge rise, but you can avoid infection by getting vaccinated [...]
It's an exciting time planning a Gap Year but being prepared can make sure that your trip is the best and the safest it can be. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have put together a comprehensive document that can act as a great tick list to ensure you have everything covered. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gap-year-foreign-travel-advice Depending on your [...]
