IndiaSWINE FLU CASES IN INDIAFeb 11, 2013According to TravelCare International, several states in northern India, which includes Delhi, are experiencing a rise in flu cases and fatalities. Media is reporting over 450 cases have been reported since the beginning of this year. At least 94 people have died from complications related to flu.
In Delhi, at least 60 people are infected and three have died. Hospitals have been instructed to set up isolation wards to treat cases of "swine flu." This is the H1N1 virus. It is now an ingredient in the regular (seasonal) flu vaccine.
Most people recover on their own, but the illness can be treated with antiviral medications.
Update on dengue activityOct 29, 2012Update on dengue activity
According to International SOS, more than 5,000 cases of dengue have been reported in West Bengal. Nine people have died. The capital, Kolkata, is the worst affected and is now reporting 1,900 cases.
Nationwide, more than 17,000 cases of dengue have been recorded, with at least 100 deaths. Major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai have been affected.
This viral disease is spread by mosquitoes that bite during the day. They are often found in and around human habitation. Dengue is common in urban areas. There is not vaccine to prevent dengue.
Rise in malaria cases in GoaOct 15, 2012Rise in malaria cases in Goa
International SOS is reporting that malaria activity in Goa is well above the expected levels for this time of year. Activity this year so far has surpassed the total for 2011. Over 1,140 people have been infected. People are being reminded to increase efforts to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite at night. If not promptly treated, malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can be fatal. Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax is generally less severe.
Update on scrub typhusSep 17, 2012Update on scrub typhus
According to media reports, since the beginning of August more than thirty people have died of suspected scrub typhus in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. There have been some fatalities as well in Dausa district. Scrub typhus is consistently present in parts of India.
Scrub typhus is also known as "chigger fever." Humans become infected when bitten by mites carrying the bacteria. Symptoms include a lump at the bite site, swollen glands, and sudden onset of high fever. Complications of pneumonia and nervous system problems can also occur.
Timely use of appropriate antibiotics will cure the disease. If untreated, however, mortality can be as high as 30%.
No vaccine is available for prevention of scrub typhus.
Higher than usual dengue activitySep 11, 2012Higher than usual dengue activity
An increase in dengue cases has been reported in Kolkata and in other regions in West Bengal, according to International SOS. Of the more than 1,200 cases, five have ended in death. Dengue activity peaks in September, so infections are likely to increase further.
Dengue is consistently present in India. The disease is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine to prevent dengue.
Jaundice, Hepatitis E in Maharashtra stateJun 21, 2012Jaundice, Hepatitis E in Maharashtra state
According to International SOS, there is a jaundice outbreak in Ichalkaranji, in Kolhapur district. Over 3,800 people have developed symptoms since mid-May. At least 12 deaths have been reported. Laboratory testing has confirmed that some of the patients have Hepatitis E.
It is thought that contaminated water from the Panchganga River is causing the outbreak. A number of local schools have been ordered to close for a few days. Authorities are educating the population about water purification.
Outbreaks of Hepatitis E are regularly reported in India.
Hepatitis E is a viral illness that causes liver inflammation. It spreads through fecal-oral route, usually through contaminated food or water. Some people who become infected never develop symptoms. Of those who do, symptoms include joint pain, sore muscles, mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The disease causes jaundice, which is the yellowing of the patient's skin and eyes.
There is no specific treatment for the disease, but most patients recover completely. Less than 4 percent of those infected will develop a severe illness.
All travelers to India should pay strict attention to hygiene.
Scrub Typhus OutbreakJun 20, 2012Scrub Typhus Outbreak
According to International SOS, the state of Kerala in southern India is experiencing an outbreak of scrub typhus. At least 15 cases have been confirmed in Kozhikode district. There have also been reports of confirmed infections in the districts of Kannur, Malappuram, Palakkad and Wayanad.
Scrub typhus is consistently present in part of India. Officials have started campaigns to increase awareness about the disease.
Scrub typhus, also called "chigger fever," is caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi. Mites carry this bacteria and humans become infected when bitten. The bite site ulcerates, glands wells, and symptoms progress with a sudden onset of high fever, headaches, and sore muscles. Some people develop a rash.
No vaccine is available to prevent this disease. If appropriate antibiotics are administered in a timely fashion, the disease can be cured.
Acute encephalitis syndromeJun 15, 2012Acute encephalitis syndrome
According to International SOS, at least 340 people have been diagnosed with acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in rural areas of Bihar. Around 140 people have died. The worst-affected districts are Gaya and Muzaffarpur, although cases have been reported elsewhere. This year's first case of AES was reported in May.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache and vomiting. Most of the victims have been children. Officials have considered a number of causes including heat and malnutrition.
All travelers are advised to be cautious. Practice strict hygiene and select food and water carefully. Take usual precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.
PolioApr 25, 2012Polio
In February 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) removed India from the list of countries with active transmission of endemic polio. This marked twelve months after the last detection of a new polio case. Nevertheless, a polio vaccine is still recommended for all travelers as the disease is still present in a neighboring country.
In 2009, over 700 cases were recorded. In 2010, more than 40 cases occurred. In January 2011, the last case of polio was recorded.
Increase in flu casesMar 20, 2012Increase in flu cases
According to TravelCare International, the annual influenza season has arrived in India. Most of the flu cases being diagnosed are due to the B strain. At least seventy cases, however, are due to H1N1 (the pandemic 2009 strain). These cases were reported in Pune district, Maharashtra state. Media sources there indicate at least five people have died. Each of those patients had underlying medical conditions.
Current seasonal flu vaccines provide protection against the pandemic strain and two other flu strains.
