dr dhaniram travel health alert
TRANSCRIPT
• Occupational Health
• Travel Clinics • Family Practice
• Events & Emergencies
Dr Basil Dhaniram MBChB; DOH; Travel Medicine; SAMSA; Aviation Medicine
Pr. No. 1529420 * MP No. 0413429
TRAVEL HEALTH ALERT BALLITO BEACH: 14 Ballito Centre, 25 Sandra Road P.O. Box 6959, Zimbali, 4418
BALLITO CBD: Suite 26, San Hall Office Park, 1 Kirsty Close Tel: +27 32 586 0944
KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: La Mercy Email: [email protected]
ISITHEBE: 33 Green Street
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Outbreak Information
15 Mar 2016 - Yellow Fever in Democratic Republic of Congo (Ex Angola)
Media sources have reported 5 suspected cases of yellow fever in Central Congo province and 2
deaths. According to the provincial medical inspector, all reported cases have come from
neighbouring Angola.
Advice for Travellers
There is a risk of yellow fever and vaccination is advised for travellers (unless contraindicated).
Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Sources: ProMED Digest Vol 45 Issue 40
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16 Mar 2016 - Zika Virus Infection in Cuba
The Ministry of Health in Cuba has reported the first autocthonous case of Zika virus infection in
the country. The case is 21-year-old female resident of Centro Habana municipality, Havana
province, with no history of travel. An investigation into the case is underway.
ECDC has added Cuba to the list of countries with Zika virus confirmed; transmission is
considered sporadic in the past two months.
(Via Ministry of Health (in Spanish) - accessed 16/03/16)
Advice for Travellers
Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, is recommended for all
travellers. Due to the possible link between Zika virus infection and birth defects, pregnant
women, or those planning pregnancy are strongly urged to seek pre-travel advice from their
health care provider. It is recommended that pregnant women postpone non-essential travel to
Zika affected countries. If travel is essential, rigorous measures to avoid mosquito bites both
during daytime and night-time hours should be followed.
Women who have visited a Zika affected area whilst pregnant should arrange to have their
next antenatal check promptly on return home, even if feeling well. This is not intended to cause
undue anxiety, but merely as a precaution. In addition, medical attention must be sought quickly
for any feverish illness experienced whilst travelling or on return.
Bite avoidance measures include: covering up with clothing, the use of insect repellent and bed
nets impregnated with insecticide. Reduction of mosquito breeding sites around hotel
rooms/homes is advised for longer term stays.
Sources: http://www.sld.cu
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Thank you
_________________________________________ DR. BASIL DHANIRAM MBChB (Natal) DOH (Wits) Travel Medicine (SASTM) SAMSA (Maritime) Aviation Medicine TRAVEL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER