Category Archives: ALC Travel News

There have been moments over the last couple of years when we tiptoed right up to the edge of global hysteria over the so-called Avian or Bird Flu. The various strains of the virus – H1N1 two years ago, H5N1 … Continue reading →

The IHR National Focal Point in Indonesia has notified the ‘World Health Organisation’ (WHO) of one new case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case was a 12 year-old male from Badung, Bali. He had onset of symptoms … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Two cases of Lassa fever have been reported from Rivers state, in the extreme south of Nigeria.

An outbreak of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever has been reported from Beni department. The disease is transmitted by exposure to infected rodents.

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.

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.

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 →

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 →

It’s no secret that a lot of people have switched to a gluten-free diet, whether or not they have Celiac Disease. The benefits are great for many people, but there’s a question that can be a significant obstacle for gluten-free … Continue reading →

An outbreak of Legionnaires’s disease has been reported among travelers who stayed at an unidentified hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca. Any traveler to Calpe who develops fever, cough, or trouble breathing should seek immediate medical attention   Legionnaires’ disease in … Continue reading →

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case was a 2 year-old male from Banteay Meanchey Province. He developed symptoms on 3 … Continue reading →

In March 2010, Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) silicone implants were withdrawn from the European Union (EU) market following an observed increase in implant ruptures, and confirmation of the use of substandard silicone in the manufacture of the implants by French … Continue reading →

There have been demonstrations and rallies in a number of Nigerian towns and cities against the removal of the petrol price subsidy, which took effect on 1 January 2012. Some of these have resulted in clashes between the police and … Continue reading →

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth office have advised against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area and the Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple area located on the Thai-Cambodian border due to the presence of troops in … Continue reading →

11 January 2012 -The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is a 23 year-old male from Jakarta Province. He developed symptoms on 31 December 2011, … Continue reading →

In response to international criticism, with much of it coming from the United States, the Chinese government announced on Friday that it would initiate stricter air pollution standards for Beijing by the end of the month.  Residents of Beijing, foreigners … Continue reading →

One of the ways in which traveling can impact your life is to improve your overall mental health. Research has shown that keeping your brain stimulated and challenged can help ward off degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Travel presents a … Continue reading →

5 January 2012 -The Ministry of Health of China has notified WHO of a human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection.‪ The case is a 39-year-old male from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. He developed symptoms on 21 December 2011 … Continue reading →

5 January 2012 -The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ The case is a 42 year-old male from Menofia Governorate. He developed symptoms on … Continue reading →

You don’t have to look far to find self-improvement tips, but I wanted an international perspective, so I dug back into The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, who captures certain secrets of longevity from natives of Sardinia, Okinawa and Costa … Continue reading →

From everyone at ALC Health, may we wish you the very best for 2012. We look forward to supporting you wherever in the world you may find yourself through our range of comprehensive international medical insurance plans www.alchealth.com. Contact your … Continue reading →

The Ministry of Health in Senegal notified the WHO of three cases of yellow fever in Kédougou  and Saraya Health districts, near the border with Mali and Guinea Conakry on 26 October 2011. The index case was a 25 year-old … Continue reading →

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ The case is a 29-year-old male from Dakahlia Governorate. He developed symptoms on 8 December 2011 and … Continue reading →

With the festive season almost upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to everyone who has supported ALC Health throughout the past year. 2011 has seen ALC Health continue to grow and, … Continue reading →

Wait times are the boogeyman of public health systems all over the world. They cut to the very heart of the debate over costs versus access to care. Hardly a week goes by where we don’t see a story on … Continue reading →

An outbreak of Chikungunya fever has been reported from Bangladesh. Travelers should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent and keeping themselves covered.