The CDC has issued travel health notices for Vietnam and Rwanda due to rising cases of measles and an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, respectively. An imported measles case was reported in a Taiwanese traveler, while Rwanda has seen confirmed Marburg cases with a notable fatality rate. Public health officials stress the importance of vaccinations and hygiene for travelers to these regions.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a level one “watch” travel health notice for Vietnam due to a rise in measles cases, alongside a similar notice for Rwanda, which is currently contending with a Marburg virus outbreak. Dr. Guo Hung-wei, Director of the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center, reported an imported case of measles involving a man from northern Taiwan who tested positive after returning from a trip to Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island. After developing symptoms five days post-return, including fever and respiratory issues, he was diagnosed with measles and subsequently discharged from the hospital. Dr. Lin Yung-ching highlighted that measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems. With escalating measles activity observed in Southeast Asian nations, especially in Ho Chi Minh City where cases have surged to 644 in the first three quarters of 2023, the CDC emphasizes the necessity for vaccination and good hand hygiene among travelers. In Rwanda, as reported on September 27, there is a significant outbreak of the Marburg virus, currently accounting for 56 confirmed cases, including 12 fatalities, resulting in a fatality rate of 21.4%. The World Health Organization assessed the outbreak risk as very high at the national level. Dr. Philip Lo, CDC Deputy Director-General, detailed that Marburg virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, and human-to-human transmission is also possible. Symptoms can escalate rapidly, including severe gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to high mortality rates. Although no approved treatments or vaccines exist, there are considerations for the usage of Remdesivir in response to the outbreak. Travelers to affected areas are advised to avoid unnecessary visits and to maintain strict hygiene practices in susceptible environments.
The article addresses two critical public health concerns: the resurgence of measles in Vietnam and the outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda. Measles, known for its contagiousness, poses significant health risks, particularly among unimmunized populations. The CDC’s monitoring and issuance of travel health notices reflect the importance of public health awareness and preventive measures necessary for travelers. Meanwhile, the Marburg virus disease, linked to high mortality rates in past outbreaks, has the World Health Organization closely monitoring the situation in Rwanda. Understanding these diseases and their transmission dynamics is vital for informing travel precautions and healthcare responses.
In summary, the CDC’s issuance of level one “watch” notices for both Vietnam and Rwanda underscores the importance of vigilance in public health and travel safety. Travelers are urged to ensure vaccinations are up to date, practice good hygiene, and avoid high-risk areas to mitigate the risk of measles and Marburg virus disease, both of which can have severe health implications.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
