The CDC has issued level one “watch” travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda due to rising measles activity and an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, respectively. A recent measles case was reported in Taiwan involving a traveler returning from Vietnam. Meanwhile, Rwanda is experiencing a significant health crisis with confirmed cases and deaths from Marburg virus disease, prompting stringent public health advisories.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently issued a level one “watch” travel health notice for Vietnam due to heightened measles activity, as well as a similar notice for Rwanda, which is currently facing a serious outbreak of Marburg virus disease. This announcement follows the confirmation of an imported measles case in Taiwan. A man in his thirties who visited Phu Quoc island in Vietnam as part of a tour group was diagnosed with measles after returning on September 18. Despite initial treatment for fever, he later exhibited additional symptoms including diarrhea and a rash, leading to hospitalization. Measles, known for its contagiousness, can spread airborne and remains viable on surfaces for up to two hours, posing serious risks, particularly for unvaccinated individuals. CDC officials have noted a troubling rise in measles cases in Southeast Asia, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, which reported 644 cases in the first nine months of this year compared to minimal cases in the previous year. Vaccination is essential, with the CDC recommending children receive two doses of the measles vaccine and travelers exercise caution, including maintaining good hygiene and wearing masks in crowded spaces. In Rwanda, the situation is dire, as the country reported an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, with 56 confirmed cases and a 21.4 percent fatality rate. The World Health Organization has classified the risk as “very high” nationally and “high” regionally. Symptoms start with severe fever and can escalate to gastrointestinal bleeding and shock. The CDC advises against unnecessary travel to affected regions and underscores the importance of hygiene practices to avoid viral transmission. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg virus disease currently available, though Rwanda plans to request emergency use of Remdesivir, an antiviral. Public health officials are urging vigilance as both nations experience significant health threats, emphasizing preventive measures for individuals who plan to travel to these regions.
This article addresses the recent actions taken by the Centers for Disease Control regarding health advisories for travel to Vietnam and Rwanda. Vietnam is currently experiencing elevated measles cases, which pose a significant health risk due to the virus’s highly contagious nature. The article stresses vaccination as a critical preventive measure against measles, especially for unprotected populations. On the other hand, Rwanda is grappling with a Marburg virus outbreak that has led to high mortality rates, prompting the CDC to advise travelers to avoid contact with potentially infected individuals and animals.
In summary, the CDC’s issuance of travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda reflects the urgent need for increased awareness regarding measles and Marburg virus disease outbreaks. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about vaccination requirements and to exercise precautions to safeguard their health while traveling in these regions. The detection of measles cases in Taiwan reinforces the importance of vaccination and public health measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
