CDC Issues Travel Health Notices for Vietnam and Rwanda Due to Measles and Marburg Virus Outbreaks
The CDC has issued level one “watch” travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda due to rising measles activity and an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, respectively. Travelers are advised to take precautionary measures, including vaccination and hygiene practices, to avoid these health risks.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently issued travel health notices regarding elevated health risks in Vietnam and Rwanda. A level one “watch” notice was declared for Vietnam due to significant measles activity. Notably, an imported case was reported involving a man in his 30s from northern Taiwan, who contracted measles after visiting Phu Quoc island in Vietnam from September 14 to 18. Following his return, the individual experienced symptoms including fever, diarrhea, and a rash, and was diagnosed with measles after multiple medical visits. Moreover, Rwanda is contending with an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, prompting the CDC to issue a similar travel notice. As of the latest reports, Rwanda has confirmed 56 cases of this severe viral hemorrhagic fever, resulting in 12 fatalities, leading to a fatality rate of approximately 21.4 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the risk associated with the outbreak as very high at a national level. Individuals are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel to these areas and to adhere to health safety protocols if travel is essential. In light of these developments, it is paramount for travelers to stay informed of health risks and to practice good hygiene, including appropriate vaccination against measles and caution regarding interactions with wildlife in regions affected by Marburg virus disease.
The CDC’s travel health advisories are essential for informing the public about ongoing health threats associated with their travel destinations. The notice for Vietnam highlights the resurgence of measles, which is a highly contagious disease, particularly affecting unvaccinated populations. This is significant as most regions have made considerable efforts to control measles outbreaks through vaccination campaigns. Conversely, the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda indicates urgent public health concerns, as the disease has a high mortality rate and lacks an approved treatment, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and preventive measures.
In conclusion, the CDC’s issuance of travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda underscores the necessity for heightened awareness of infectious diseases when traveling. Travelers must prioritize vaccination against measles and heed travel advisories to mitigate the risks associated with the spread of the Marburg virus. This vigilance is crucial, given the severe implications both diseases can have, particularly on vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
