Monthly Archives: February 2012
Avian influenza – Egypt update
The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a new case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case is a one year-old female from Gharbeia governorate. She developed symptoms on 14 February … Continue reading
Melioidosis reported in Australia
An outbreak of melioidosis, caused by a soil bacterium, has been reported from the Northern Territory. Travelers are advised to wear waterproof gloves and shoes or boots whenever coming into contact with soil in this area, especially during the rainy … Continue reading
Rubella in Romania
An outbreak of rubella (German measles) has been reported from Salaj, Romania. Signs and symptoms Rash of rubella on skin of child’s back. Distribution is similar to that of measles but the lesions are less intensely red. After an incubation … Continue reading
Avian influenza reported in Viet Nam
The case was a 26 year-old pregnant female from Soc Trang province. She developed symptoms on 23 January 2012, and was admitted to hospital on 25 January. She was treated with Oseltamivir on 27 January, she died on 28 January. … Continue reading
Lassa fever reported in Southern Nigeria
Two cases of Lassa fever have been reported from Rivers state, in the extreme south of Nigeria.
Bolivian hemorrhagic fever outbreak reported in Bolivia
An outbreak of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever has been reported from Beni department. The disease is transmitted by exposure to infected rodents.
Kenya : African trypanosomiasis
A case of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has been reported in a German traveler. Travelers should keep themselves covered and avoid areas known to harbor tsetse flies, which transmit the disease. Repellents are not effective.
Typhoid fever in Zimbabwe
An outbreak of typhoid fever has been reported from Zimbabwe, related to poor sanitation and a deteriorating sewage system. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers.
Is a happy expat a healthy expat ?
Expats who are happier living abroad are potentially healthier, according to experts. Happiness has been linked to longevity and a decreased risk of certain diseases reports expathealth.org. Researchers say expats who have the opportunity to socialise are better able to … Continue reading
Expat kids need to be educated about skin cancer
Evidence suggests that children who suffer sun damage at a young age have a higher risk of developing melanoma later in life reports Bryony Ashcroft. A group of scientists at the National CancerInstitute in Maryland found that young mice, whose … Continue reading