CDC Issues Health Travel Notices for Vietnam and Rwanda
The CDC has issued travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda, citing rising measles activity and an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, respectively. Travelers are urged to take precautions, including vaccinations and avoiding contact with infected areas.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a level one ‘watch’ travel health notice for Vietnam due to an increase in measles activity and a similar notice for Rwanda, which is currently facing an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Director Guo Hung-wei reported an imported case of measles from a man in his thirties who traveled to Phu Quoc island, Vietnam, between September 14 and 18. Upon returning to Taiwan, he exhibited symptoms, including fever, diarrhea, and a rash, leading to his diagnosis of measles. Measles, a highly contagious illness, can linger in the air for two hours and pose serious risks, particularly for unvaccinated children. The CDC highlighted the importance of vaccinations and good hygiene practices for individuals traveling to areas with measles outbreaks, as significant rises in cases have been reported in other Southeast Asian nations. In contrast, Rwanda reported its outbreak of Marburg virus disease on September 27, with a total of 56 confirmed cases and a fatality rate of 21.4%. This disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected bats or monkeys, as well as human-to-human contact. CDC officials are urging travelers to exercise caution and avoid visiting affected areas. Currently, there are no approved treatments for Marburg, yet Rwanda plans to seek emergency approval for the antiviral drug Remdesivir in response to the outbreak. Overall, both travel health notices reflect escalating health concerns in Vietnam and Rwanda, underscoring the necessity for travelers to remain vigilant against these infectious diseases and maintain recommended health protocols.
The CDC’s travel health notices are vital for public health, particularly in light of the rising occurrences of measles and Marburg virus disease in Vietnam and Rwanda, respectively. Measles has regained prominence as a global health concern, especially in Southeast Asia, where cases have surged. Similarly, Marburg virus disease, known for its high fatality rates and severe symptoms, poses a significant risk in Rwanda. Both public health concerns demand attention from travelers, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and health precautions during international travel.
In summary, the CDC has rightly issued a level one ‘watch’ travel notice for both Vietnam and Rwanda due to increasing health concerns related to measles and the Marburg virus, respectively. The rise in measles cases highlights the risk for unvaccinated individuals, while Rwanda’s Marburg outbreak calls for vigilance in avoiding exposure. Travelers are advised to maintain strict hygiene measures and consult health guidelines before visiting these regions.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
