The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a level one “watch” notice for both Vietnam, due to elevated measles activity, and Rwanda, following a Marburg virus outbreak. A recent case of measles was reported in Taiwan from a traveler returning from Vietnam. In Rwanda, 56 cases of Marburg virus disease have been confirmed, resulting in 12 deaths, raising alarm over potential health risks.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a level one “watch” travel health notice for Vietnam, citing heightened measles activity within the country. This declaration was prompted by a confirmed imported measles case involving a man in his thirties who visited Vietnam from September 14 to 18 on a tour to Phu Quoc island. Following his return to Taiwan, the individual developed symptoms including fever, diarrhea, cough, and sore throat, eventually resulting in a measles diagnosis after developing a rash on September 29, 2023. Measles is highly infectious and can be transmitted through airborne droplets from an infected individual. The CDC emphasizes that the virus remains contagious for up to two hours on surfaces and in the air, posing significant risks, especially to unvaccinated children and immunocompromised individuals, who may experience severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Additionally, the CDC issued a similar level one “watch” notice for Rwanda due to a current outbreak of Marburg virus disease. As of the latest reports, there have been 56 confirmed cases of the illness in Rwanda, with a fatality rate of 21.4 percent. Symptoms of Marburg virus begin with high fever and can progress to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, hemorrhaging, and ultimately may lead to shock and death within days of onset. The World Health Organization has characterized the outbreak’s risk as very high within Rwanda and has provided guidelines for individuals traveling to affected areas. The CDC, alongside international health agencies, recommends avoiding non-essential travel to these regions and observing strict hygiene practices and social distancing measures whilst visiting healthcare facilities or interacting with wildlife, which may transmit the virus.
The current health notices from the CDC arise from two significant public health threats: measles and Marburg virus disease. Measles, a contagious viral infection preventable by vaccination, has seen increased case numbers in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, where reporting indicated a resurgence of cases, especially in urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore, Rwanda faces a grave health challenge with Marburg virus disease, a severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates. Understanding these health risks is vital for potential travelers and health authorities, as effective vaccination and infection control measures are crucial in mitigating these outbreaks.
In conclusion, the CDC’s issuance of travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda highlights the ongoing threats posed by measles and Marburg virus disease. Travelers are advised to take precautions, including vaccination against measles and avoiding areas with active viral transmission. The heightened awareness and proper public health responses will be critical in controlling these outbreaks and ensuring travelers’ safety.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
