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Taking a closer on the traveller health section of the report here is the latest information:
From Ebola, Malaria and Zika to the most recent reports of the plague in Madagascar, global travel increases travellers’ exposure to a range of infectious diseases. While often very location specific, this increased risk of exposure is having a noticeable impact on travel choices, such as babymoons and the associated risk of Zika infection for example.
The US Centre for Disease Control currently has 90 infectious diseases related to travel listed in its Yellow Book on Travellers’ Health, however the most emphasised diseases are:
• Yellow Fever
• Ebola
• Zika
• Malaria
• Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
• Bubonic and pneumonic plague
“International airlines connect approximately 40 000 global cities and carry about three billion total passengers per year. Recently, air travel has been a factor in the spread of Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Zika,” explains Andre D Berro, Travel & Strategic Analysis Activity Lead | Public Health Advisor – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to International SOS, infectious diseases remain a constant health threat and travel risk across Africa. In 2018, malaria will remain a significant concern, as will Zika. The August 2017 outbreak of plague in Madagascar has also served to highlight how even endemic diseases can suddenly flare up to pandemic levels in resource-restricted environments. This type of situation is feasible across Africa, with other diseases such as cholera and even viral haemorrhagic fevers. Travellers are advised to prepare thoroughly when travelling to those affected areas.
To view the full trend report, click here or email Danica@bigambitions.co.za for more information.