According to WHO's regional office, more than 60 suspected cases of monkeypox per week are occurring, mainly in Equateur Province. More than 400 cases (including 34 laboratory-confirmed and 9 deaths) have been reported since January 2018 in 14 of 26 provinces, mainly in Sankuru Province (> 100 cases). The outbreak has yet to peak. Outbreaks have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo every year since 2005. Travelers are advised to avoid consumption of bushmeat and direct contact with rodents and other animals in affected regions. Human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets or contact with skin lesions is possible.
Northern Hemisphere: Influenza Season Almost Over
In the U.S., the main influenza season is almost over, with the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) in the most recent week at 2.7%, following 17 consecutive weeks above the national baseline of 2.2%; ILI peaked at 7.5% in early February. Influenza B continues to predominate over influenza A, a typical occurrence late in the influenza season. Currently, only 6 states are experiencing high ILI activity. Pneumonia and influenza mortality rates have nearly returned to baseline. In Canada, ILI rates have decreased below the 5-year average, and influenza B continues to predominate over influenza A. Influenza activity has peaked throughout most of Europe, with equal proportions of influenza A and B (almost exclusively B/Yamagata) being reported. It's still ideal for seasonal influenza vaccination for all travelers and oseltamivir as standby therapy, especially for those who are at high risk for complications from influenza or who are inadequately vaccinated. Antiviral treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors should be started as soon as possible and should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza.
Nepal: Security Threat at Chandragiri Hills Cable Car in Thankot
According to the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, a heightened security threat exists at the Chandragiri Hills cable car in Thankot. Extreme vigilance is recommended. Travelers are advised to avoid the Chandragiri Hills cable car through late March 2018, maintain a high level of security awareness, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.
Mexico: Security Threat in Playa del Carmen
According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, a heightened security threat exists in Playa del Carmen. On February 21, 2018, an explosion occurred on a ferry between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, resulting in tourist injuries. Extreme vigilance is recommended. Travelers should maintain a high level of security awareness, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.
France: Flooding in Paris Along Seine River Receding
Water levels in Paris along the Seine River continue to recede following a peak on January 29, 2018. Heavy rains had caused significant flooding from mid to late January. Disruptions to transportation, including metro and boat travel, should be expected. Travelers should monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.
Nigeria: Confirmed Monkeypox in 13 States and Federal Capital Territory
Posted Feb 23, 2018
According to Nigeria's Ministry of Health, more than 10 suspected cases of monkeypox per month are occurring. More than 210 cases (including 80 laboratory-confirmed and 5 deaths) have been reported since September 2017 in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and in 23 of 36 states, mainly in southern and western areas (particularly in Bayelsa and Rivers states). Confirmed cases have been reported in FCT and 13 states. The outbreak is past peak. Epidemiological investigations are under way to determine the relation between cases; preliminary results suggest multiple sources of introduction of the virus into the human population. Many suspected cases are expected to test negative. Travelers are advised to avoid consumption of bushmeat and direct contact with rodents and other animals in affected regions. Human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets or contact with skin lesions is possible.
South Korea: Norovirus at PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics Past Peak
According to South Korea's Ministry of Health and press sources, more than 260 confirmed cases of acute gastrointestinal illness (caused by norovirus) have been reported since February 6, 2018, from a limited number of sites that house security personnel, police officers, and food preparation staff for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang (> 180 cases) and from Gangneung, Gangwon Province (> 75 cases). No cases have been reported in spectators. Two athletes staying outside the Olympic village have had gastrointestinal illness attributed to norovirus, but information on laboratory confirmation is not available. The outbreak is past peak. Health authorities have implemented hygiene inspections for accommodations, restaurants, drinking and tap water, and water purification plants. Travelers are advised to exercise particular care in hygiene habits, including frequent handwashing.
Taiwan Earthquake
On February 6, 2018, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake occurred near Hualien City in eastern Taiwan. Casualties, aftershocks, and significant infrastructure damage have been reported. Disruptions to transportation (including road travel) and basic services should be expected. Travelers should monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.
