Three Zika travel-associated cases have been reported in travellers from Denmark and Norway returning from Thailand, and a case of sexual transmission from one returning traveller. Symptoms associated with Zika virus infection are generally mild and most of the people infected do not develop any symptoms. However, for pregnant women and their developing foetuses there [...]
A Norwegian woman, 24, was on holiday with friends when they found the puppy on a street. The puppy is thought to have infected her when it bit her after they took it back to their resort. She fell ill soon after returning to Norway and died at the hospital where she worked. Her family [...]
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate that up to 1% of pharmaceutical products in industrialised countries are counterfeit/falsified medicines. The Falsified Medicines Directive is a collaboration of Government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, GPs and other health professionals to help eliminate counterfeit medicines in the UK. Global Health Travel Clinics are now members of SecurMed UK which is [...]
There are reports on Fitfortravel the NHS travel website of a malaria outbreak on the Pacific coast of Cauca Province, Colombia, South Ameria. The outbreak has affected 322 people in the rural areas of Guapi and Timbiqui: the towns of Calle Larga, Belen, San Agustin, Pascualero, and Cascajero (in Guapi) and in the mining area [...]
Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean International https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships Cruises are growing in popularity, covering a few day or weeks or longer. Cruise populations are generally older than the normal UK population. As a result both the incidences of acute and chronic conditions can be high. The most commonly reported health problems are respiratory tract infections, injuries, [...]
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 [...]
The latest Public Health England (PHE) report published on 17 January 2019, shows that seasonal flu is circulating in the community but remains at low levels. The statistics show that over the last week, GP consultations with flu-like illness, hospital and intensive care admission rates have all increased from 14.8 to 19.2 per 100,000, from 3.54 to 4.75 [...]
Human cases of avian (bird) flu continue to be reported in China and visitors should avoid exposure to wild birds and poultry. Public Health England offer the following advice. For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england Avoid visiting live bird, animal markets and poultry farms Avoid contact with animal waste or untreated bird feathers Do not [...]
There are two main sources of travel health information within the UK. Both are effectively NHS sites. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home Both provide a wealth of information for professionals, and patients to investigate any travel health risks or vaccination requirements themselves. Information is common to both sites as you would expect. However, there can be variations when [...]
Recent reporting in the Sunday Times, January 13th 2019, highlights a high profile death and psychiatric issues in another patient. YF vaccination is generally considered safe provided other clinical consideration such as immunosuppression are considered. Deaths are rare. Those aged over 60 have a fourfold increase in risks see below. YF itself can cause an [...]
