CDC Issues Travel Health Notices for Vietnam and Rwanda Amid Health Risks

The CDC has issued level one ‘watch’ travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda due to increasing measles cases and an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, respectively. A measles case was confirmed in a Taiwanese traveler returning from Vietnam, with warnings issued about the contagious nature of the disease. Rwanda’s outbreak of Marburg has led to numerous confirmed cases and deaths, prompting authorities to seek emergency use of antiviral treatments. Health experts emphasize precautions for travelers and the need for vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a level one ‘watch’ travel health notice for Vietnam due to heightened measles activity, alongside a similar notice for Rwanda, which is currently facing an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. Officials from the CDC reported that an imported case of measles was confirmed last week in a man in his 30s from northern Taiwan, who traveled to Phu Quoc island in Vietnam from September 14 to 18. Following his return, this individual experienced symptoms including a fever, diarrhea, coughing, and a sore throat, eventually developing a rash consistent with measles. Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, which can remain viable in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, health experts are urging travelers to be vigilant, particularly in regions experiencing outbreaks of measles. Within Vietnam, specifically in Ho Chi Minh City, there has been a concerning increase in measles cases, with 644 reported in the first nine months of the year, a stark contrast to the single case reported in 2021 to 2022. Public health authorities recommend that children receive two doses of the measles vaccine to mitigate these risks, and travelers to affected areas should maintain proper hygiene and consider wearing masks in crowded situations. Simultaneously, Rwanda has reported a significant outbreak of Marburg virus disease, with 56 confirmed cases and a death toll of 12, resulting in a fatality rate of approximately 21.4 percent. The World Health Organization has categorized the outbreak’s risk as very high nationally, high regionally, and low globally. Symptoms of Marburg virus disease begin with high fever and severe malaise and can escalate rapidly to severe gastrointestinal issues. No approved treatments or vaccines currently exist for Marburg, but the Rwandan government plans to seek emergency use authorization for the antiviral drug Remdesivir as a potential response to the outbreak. Health professionals advise against unnecessary travel to areas with reported outbreaks and emphasize the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding contact with wild animals. In light of these developments, health officials stress the necessity for awareness among travelers regarding the health risks associated with travel to these countries. Additionally, it is noteworthy that on a separate but related front, the Taipei Mayor has acknowledged the cancellation of classes and work due to Typhoon Krathon, stressing this decision was made to ensure public safety amid potential landslides and hazardous travel conditions.

This article addresses recent public health advisories issued by the CDC regarding increased instances of measles in Vietnam and an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda. It illustrates the importance of travel health notices, particularly in response to emerging health threats in different countries. Specific attention is given to the symptoms and transmission methods of both diseases, as well as recommendations for the prevention of further spread. The context provided highlights ongoing challenges faced by public health authorities both domestically and internationally, amongst heightened concerns of infectious diseases.

In conclusion, as reported by the CDC, travelers to Vietnam and Rwanda face significant health threats from measles and Marburg virus disease, respectively. The elevation of these travel advisories underlines the critical need for vaccinations and preventative measures during travel to regions experiencing outbreaks. The importance of public health communication and traveler awareness cannot be overstated, given the rapid nature of disease transmission and the potential health impacts on vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com