The CDC has issued level one “watch” notices for Vietnam and Rwanda due to increased measles cases and an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, respectively. A Taiwanese man contracted measles after visiting Vietnam, while Rwanda reported 56 cases of Marburg virus with 12 fatalities. Travelers are advised to maintain vigilance and hygiene in affected areas.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a level one “watch” travel health notice for Vietnam and Rwanda, indicating heightened health risks for travelers to these countries. This measure comes in light of increased measles activity in Vietnam, alongside a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. In Vietnam, a case of measles was reported last week involving a man in his 30s from northern Taiwan. After returning from a group tour to Phu Quoc island on September 18, he experienced symptoms including fever, diarrhea, coughing, and sore throat five days later. He subsequently developed a rash and was diagnosed with measles on his fourth outpatient visit, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent discharge. Measles is highly infectious, with the capacity to infect up to 18 unvaccinated individuals from a single case. In Vietnam, there has been a notable uptick in measles cases, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, which reported 644 cases in the first nine months of this year alone. Conversely, the CDC has also issued a travel notice for Rwanda following a declared outbreak of Marburg virus disease, which has resulted in 56 confirmed cases, including 12 fatalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the outbreak as posing a very high risk at the national level. Marburg virus disease is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever, transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or people and potentially leading to a 24 to 88 percent fatality rate in past outbreaks. Vigilance is recommended for those traveling to affected areas, advising avoidance of contact with wild animals and maintaining good hygiene practices.
This article addresses the recent travel health notices issued by the CDC for Vietnam and Rwanda, highlighting two public health concerns: the rise of measles cases in Vietnam and a new outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda. Measles has seen a resurgence in certain Southeast Asian nations, prompting health precautions, while Marburg virus disease has raised alarms due to its high fatality rate and the significant increase in cases reported in Rwanda. Both conditions underscore the importance of vaccination and public health vigilance for travelers.
In summary, the CDC’s issuance of a level one “watch” notice for both Vietnam and Rwanda underscores the need for awareness among travelers regarding health risks. Measles is spreading in Vietnam, necessitating vaccination and precautions, while the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda poses severe health risks with a notable fatality rate. Travelers are encouraged to practice good hygiene and exercise caution in these regions to mitigate health risks.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
