Latest news with #travelhealth
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Travellers warned as typhoid infections reach new high
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about a record number of travel-linked typhoid and paratyphoid cases. Provisional figures show 702 cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2024, an 8 per cent increase from the previous year, and is the highest number ever recorded. Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, can be fatal without prompt treatment; a free vaccine is available for some patients. Imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels in the UK, with 1,812 cases diagnosed in 2024, while dengue cases appear to have decreased. Dr. Philip Veal of UKHSA advises travellers to plan ahead, check the Travel Health Pro website for health information, and consult healthcare professionals about necessary precautions and vaccinations.
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Cases of Victorian-era disease linked to travel at record high in UK
Health officials have reported a record number of typhoid and paratyphoid cases linked to travel. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning, urging travellers to take all possible precautions to avoid infections. Provisional figures from the agency reveal 702 cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2024. This represents an 8 per cent increase from the previous year, and is the highest number ever recorded. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection and without prompt treatment it can cause serious complications and can be fatal. It is caused by a salmonella bacteria and usually spread through contaminated food and water. A free vaccine is available for some patients at their GP surgery before travel, with travellers urged to check the Travel Health Pro website for information before they go abroad. There is no vaccine for paratyphoid. Meanwhile the UKHSA said that imported malaria cases remain at 'concerning levels' in the UK, despite a slight decrease from the previous year. There were 1,812 cases diagnosed in 2024. The number of dengue cases also appears to have decreased. Dr Philip Veal, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: 'We are seeing high levels of infections such as malaria and typhoid in returning travellers. 'It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you're visiting friends and relatives abroad or it's somewhere you visit often. 'The Travel Health Pro website has information on how to keep yourself and family healthy, including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as anti-malaria tablets, and how to avoid gastrointestinal infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A. 'If you are pregnant or trying to conceive there are special precautions you should take, so please speak to a healthcare professional before planning your trip.'
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Quebec man catches dengue fever during trip to Martinique
A Quebec man is warning fellow travellers to protect themselves before heading off on any international adventures after he caught dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, while on a trip to Martinique in the Caribbean. 'Two days before I came back, I started to get really ill,' Jacob Tremblay tells Noovo Info. 'I had a fever of 40 [degrees Celsius], and when I got on the plane, I was in bad shape.' Upon returning home to Saguenay, Tremblay says he had muscle pain, difficulty walking and a swollen stomach. He was eventually admitted to a hospital in Jonquière in the province's Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. 'I was in so much pain that I told the doctor that if what they were doing didn't work, I was going to ask for medical aid in dying,' said Tremblay. 'It hurt so much. It was horrible.' Cases of dengue fever are considered rare, presenting with symptoms including fever, headache, rash and muscle and joint pain. In serious cases, it can cause death. In Canada, there is currently no approved vaccine or medication that protects against it. 'Classic dengue fever causes headaches and fever, so it's not very serious. The mortality rate is around one per cent,' explains Nancy Lavoie, a nurse who specializes in travel health. However, she adds, dengue hemorrhagic fever, also known as severe dengue, can affect the body's vascular system and lead to significant internal bleeding and organ failure. The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that though the dengue virus is not present in mosquitoes in Canada, outbreaks are increasingly common in tropical and subtropical regions. It recommends protecting yourself from mosquito bites when in areas where dengue fever is present. Additionally, all travellers should make sure to be properly protected before taking flight. To find out if your travel destination requires certain vaccines or medications, click here.
Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Times
What travel vaccines do I need for my trip? Everything you need to know
Few of us think about vaccinations before travel, but it can be crucial for certain destinations where the risk of infectious diseases is high. But far from just keeping us healthy, vaccinations can also form part of a country's entry requirements, especially for diseases such as yellow fever and polio where proof of vaccination is often needed. Vaccine requirements change over time, too. In the case of malaria, for example, the affected areas can shift. And then there's the fact that vaccinations aren't always straightforward. Depending on the vaccine, you might be fine with just one dose or you might need multiple doses over months. Here's what you need to know. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Before any travel abroad, check your routine immunisations are up to date, because many are common travel vaccines — such as tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and hepatitis B. Childhood vaccinations received will differ between age groups, as well as other factors, and some require boosters over time. For example, diphtheria has a recommended ten-yearly booster if travelling in high-risk areas. Hepatitis B hasn't always been a routine immunisation, so you may want to ask your GP about your status. Infections like hepatitis B are spread through bodily fluids, so sensible precautions should be taken with sexual encounters, medical procedures, tattoos and piercings. While not usually part of the routine schedule, hepatitis A and typhoid are such common recommendations worldwide that they're often worth getting for travel. All the above, plus cholera, are usually free on the NHS, but hepatitis B is only available to certain groups (you can expect to pay about £150 privately for a three-dose course). Covid-19 and seasonal flu jabs are also recommended, especially for those normally considered in an at-risk group — or, in some instances, travelling to crowded places such as festivals and religious or sporting events. Many common travel illnesses don't have vaccines, like the all-too-familiar travellers' diarrhoea, which most commonly presents after consuming contaminated food or water. Altitude sickness should be taken into account when visiting any destination above 2,400m. Vaccination isn't suitable or possible for a number of mosquito-borne diseases — however, there can be exceptions, for example if you've had a previous infection of dengue. Always research possible health risks and take appropriate precautions, including all-important travel insurance. Make sure any medications you take can be legally brought into your destination — some restrictions may surprise you. Most European pathogens are covered by UK routine vaccinations. Hepatitis A jabs are often recommended — it's spread through faeces, so thrives around poor sanitation and contaminated water. Several European countries pose a risk of rabies and the vaccine is usually given in three doses over four weeks, although this can be shortened where time is an issue. It costs about £200 for the course — but even then, the vaccine won't fully protect you. If you've been bitten, scratched or, in some cases, licked by an infected animal (bear in mind, its symptoms might not be present), seek immediate medical attention to prevent the fatal disease. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in northern, central and eastern Europe. Consider getting the vaccine for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, cycling or fishing, in at-risk countries. Three doses over 12 months — about £200 — offers full protection, but there's also an accelerated course, and boosters are encouraged. France, Spain and Italy have in recent years reported cases of dengue. This nasty mosquito-borne infection can be fatal and there's no vaccine (except in instances of previous infection). Cover up from dawn until dusk, and use insect repellents. • Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?• Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? Latest travel advice Vaccine recommendations vary greatly over huge continents like Asia. Beyond routine immunisations, typhoid and hepatitis A are the most common and both are free on the NHS. Typhoid is spread mainly through contaminated food and drink. Depending on trip duration and previous travel, some countries demand international certification of a recent polio booster; check requirements for Pakistan, India and Indonesia in particular. Though Asia doesn't have yellow fever, countries like India or Singapore may need to see vaccine proof if you're travelling from affected countries. A rabies vaccination is suggested for most destinations, including India, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Rabies risk is far higher in countries with lots of wild or stray animals — steer clear, however cute. The three-dose vaccine is expensive (about £200) but can save lives. Shots for tick-borne encephalitis (about £200) are suggested if undertaking outdoor activities in affected destinations. Certain at-risk travellers are advised to get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis (about £200 for a two-dose course) and cholera (free on the NHS) — depending on factors such as personal health, type of activities and duration of stay. In some regions, mosquitoes carry malaria, dengue and zika (which can cause birth defects). While there is little in the way of vaccines here, for malaria you can take antimalarial tablets; there's a wide variety available, with differing doses, prices and side effects. Most require a prescription, although they can be requested easily from pharmacies online without seeing your GP. This is the safer, preferred option when buying antimalarial tablets online, which could either be fakes or not the correct type you need for your travels. In general, insect and water precautions are advised across most Asian destinations. Pilgrims heading to haj or umra will need, among other requirements, proof of a meningococcal meningitis vaccine (about £60) given within the past three years, and no less than ten days before arrival. • Dubai travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?• Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka? Everything you need to know Africa is a massive continent with myriad vaccine recommendations — routine immunisations, hepatitis A and typhoid are a given. If staying longer than four weeks in many countries, a polio booster with international certification is advised. Africa has many wild and stray animals, so consider the three rabies doses for afflicted countries (about £200). Dogs, cats, bats and monkeys are prime candidates for carrying the disease. Many of the UK's favourite African destinations — Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Mauritius — don't suggest vaccines beyond these. Yellow fever sets Africa apart. Present in popular destinations such as Kenya and Uganda, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can turn deadly. Many countries will insist you carry your original vaccination certificate when travelling to, from or through affected countries (jabs cost about £70). Mosquitoes may also carry malaria, dengue and zika. Antimalarial tablets are advised in high-risk areas. Some African destinations, such as Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, experience meningococcal meningitis epidemics. Jabs cost about £60. Spread person to person through droplets, some meningitis forms are covered under routine immunisations, but boosters are often advised. Cholera vaccination may be recommended to certain at-risk travellers. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about 90 per cent of the world's schistosomiasis cases. It's caught when a parasite living in fresh water comes into contact with your skin, for example when swimming and bathing. So always be cautious with water and hygiene. • Morocco travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?• How to see gorillas in Rwanda: everything you need to know Routine immunisations, hepatitis A and typhoid are advised for South America. Like Africa, much of South America has yellow fever — so vaccination is a good idea (about £70). Be sure to carry proof with you, where needed, for entry and exit requirements. Mosquitoes may also spread malaria, zika and dengue, so cover up, wear repellent, and take antimalarial tablets in affected areas. Prolific wildlife and stray animals mean rabies vaccination is recommended for many South American countries (about £200). Even with three doses, you'll need urgent medical attention should risk of infection occur. Great swathes of South America are high altitude (above 2,400m), so beware of altitude sickness. • The otherworldly desert that's brilliant for stargazing• How to find the real 'Old World' Buenos Aires UK travellers to Canada and the US need only consider routine vaccinations, hepatitis A and altitude sickness. Rabies is rare, but you may want to consider the three-dose vaccine (about £200). Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for Caribbean and Central American destinations. Dengue and zika are prevalent across both regions, so protect against mosquito bites. Malaria is often low to no risk, but is present in some countries — for example, Honduras, where antimalarial tablets are advised for high-risk areas. The NHS recommends travellers consider the rabies vaccine for some Central American and Caribbean destinations, such as Panama and Cuba; and cholera for those who might be at-risk on Hispaniola. Panama and Trinidad & Tobago have yellow fever, so get a vaccine plus a certificate if travelling on to countries that demand them (about £70). Some Central American destinations have areas of high altitude. • Cuba travel guide• I've found the most beautiful train ride in America Australia and New Zealand are recommended the usual vaccines, and hepatitis A for at-risk travellers. Australia also suggests Japanese encephalitis shots for at-risk visitors (about £200), which is usually spread by mosquitoes in rural areas. Some Australian regions have dengue fever, so take the necessary precautions. Many Pacific Island destinations add hepatitis A and typhoid to recommended routine vaccines. Only Kiribati has rabies, and you should consider the vaccine. Mosquito-borne dengue is found across many islands, while destinations such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have zika. Take insect precautions to lower your risk of infection. Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have malaria, so antimalarial medications are advised. The latter two also have zika. It's recommended at-risk travellers get cholera and Japanese encephalitis vaccines for Papua New Guinea too. • Australia travel guide• New Zealand travel guide
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-mask-one-off-tout-17b851590fbf4495af20be8663e1cd06.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
12-05-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
Why You'll See More Face Masks on Flights This Spring—and If You Should Be Wearing 1 Too, According to Doctors
As frequent travelers, the Travel + Leisure team spends a lot of time in airports and on flights. Needless to say, we're uniquely attuned to travel trends, whether it's popular travel outfits or trending luggage. Recently, we've noticed a trend that's worthy of a little extra attention: masking. The CDC recommends wearing masks when respiratory viruses are going around your community or if you're at risk for severe illness. On recent flights, we've noticed plenty of travelers masking up, and with the rise of reported cases of measles, whooping cough, and even tuberculosis, it begs the question: Are we at increased risk of contracting an illness while traveling, and should we be masking up on flights? I asked two medical experts to weigh in. According to Dr. John Dooley, MD, most healthy individuals don't need to mask up during travel, although there are still risks. 'I don't routinely recommend people wear masks on airplanes, but I have no objection whatsoever if it helps to lessen one's likelihood of picking up a respiratory infection,' Dr. Dooley told me. He adds that if someone on your flight is sick and coughing, there's a 'not insignificant chance' that they'll pass that illness onto others nearby, so masking can provide peace of mind. Plus, Dr. Dooley adds that 'most respiratory infection transmission does not occur on airplanes.' You're more likely to be exposed once you reach your destination—at a restaurant, museum, or large gathering, for example. Dr. Ken Perry, MD, adds that masks may not be as effective as once thought, although they still provide increased protection. Needless to say, it's probably a good idea for vulnerable individuals to mask up. According to Dr. Dooley, for these patients, 'it makes good sense to take the precaution of wearing a mask, however imperfect the degree of protection.' Dr. Perry agrees that extra precautions should be taken for the immunocompromised. He adds that this group includes patients who have had organ transplants and those who are undergoing chemotherapy, since these patients are 'far more likely to be susceptible to any communicable disease.' However, both doctors push back at the idea of taking extra precautions due to reported cases of measles, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. They agree that the risk is low. Nonetheless, travelers can learn more about the health risks associated with various destinations by using the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s travel information guide as a resource. At the end of the day, masks can provide peace of mind during travel. Dr. Perry tells me travel decreases stress and increases beneficial neurotransmitters in the brain. 'The reality is that if a mask allows someone to take a vacation when they would otherwise stay at home, then it is a means to a very beneficial end.' If you're in the market for a mask, whether you're immunocompromised, an anxious traveler, or you just always happen to sit next to a coughing passenger, we've found a CDC-approved mask at Amazon. While there are plenty of counterfeit masks available at Amazon, these N95 masks are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a research agency under the CDC. This mask is designed to block 95 percent of airborne particles, and one reviewer writes, 'It's comfortable enough I forget I'm wearing it sometimes.' According to Dr. Perry, masks may be 'more beneficial for the harmful contaminants in the air rather than preventing viral infections.' Consider this mask not just for air travel, but also for visiting highly polluted destinations. In addition to wearing a mask, you can also protect your health during travel by using hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Keep reading for more travel essentials at Amazon under $30. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
