CDC Issues Health Watch Notices for Travelers to Vietnam and Rwanda

The CDC has issued level one “watch” travel notices for Vietnam due to increased measles activity and for Rwanda due to a Marburg virus outbreak. A recent case of measles was confirmed in a traveler from Taiwan, highlighting the risks associated with the disease. Rwanda’s outbreak has led to 56 confirmed cases with a fatality rate of over 21%. Travelers are advised to adhere to health precautions and vaccination recommendations.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a level one “watch” travel health notice for Vietnam, primarily due to rising cases of measles, as well as a similar notice for Rwanda, which is facing an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. An individual from northern Taiwan who recently visited Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island tested positive for measles after returning home. This patient displayed symptoms including fever, diarrhea, and rash, leading to hospitalization and subsequent discharge following a diagnosis of measles. Measles, known for its high contagion rate, can spread through the air via respiratory droplets, remaining infectious on surfaces for up to two hours. Complications from measles can be severe, particularly for unvaccinated children and those with weakened immune systems. In Vietnam, the CDC reported a surge in measles cases, especially in Ho Chi Minh City where 644 cases were documented in the first nine months of this year. Conversely, Rwanda reported an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, with 56 confirmed cases and a notable fatality rate of 21.4%. The World Health Organization has categorized the national risk as very high, though low on a global scale. Marburg virus, characterized as a viral hemorrhagic fever, is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals and humans, leading to severe symptoms and potential death within days. Currently, there are no approved treatments or vaccines for the disease; however, Rwanda is considering the emergency use of the antiviral Remdesivir as a response to the outbreak. Travelers to these regions are advised to take precautions, including proper hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals or wild animals. The CDC insists on good health practices and vaccination for those traveling, particularly to areas with reported outbreaks of these contagious diseases.

The article discusses recent health advisories issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concerning travel to Vietnam and Rwanda due to medical outbreaks. The growth of measles cases in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, poses risks to travelers who may be unvaccinated, while Rwanda grapples with a Marburg virus outbreak, highlighting significant public health threats. The increased measles activity is attributed to various outbreaks across Southeast Asian countries, while the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has raised international concern over its potential spread and the current lack of effective vaccines or treatments.

The CDC has highlighted significant health threats in Vietnam and Rwanda, urging travelers to exercise caution. The rising cases of measles due to increased activity in various Southeast Asian countries, juxtaposed with the severe outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, underscores the importance of health vigilance for international travelers. Proper vaccinations and adherence to health advisories are critical in minimizing risks associated with these diseases.

Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com