February 5, 2011 Australia- Ross River Virus

Medical Alerts Australia February 05, 2011 17:41 GMT South Australia sees increase in Ross River, Barmah Forest infections South Australia is experiencing increased cases of Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV). More than 350 people have contracted the illnesses, mostly in the Riverland and Murray Mallee areas. Fewer than 20 cases were reported in the previous season.

January 25, 2011 Cote d'Ivoire-Yellow Fever

Medical Alerts Cote d'Ivoire January 25, 2011 23:34 GMT Yellow fever in Worodougou and Bandama Valley regions A yellow fever outbreak has infected at least 12 people. More than 60 others are suspected to have the disease, 25 of whom died.

January 24, 2011 -Cambodia -Drug Overdoses

Medical Alerts Cambodia January 24, 2011 17:33 GMT Warning to travelers - risk of overdose and death International SOS is aware of a spate of drug overdoses in Phnom Penh since December. At least six cases have been noted in young adult travelers who believed they were taking cocaine but had in fact been sold an unknown substance, possibly heroin. At least one death has occurred.

January 21, 2011 Cozumel, Mexico-Legionnaires Disease

The Mexican island of Cozumel, in the Caribbean and just a ferry ride

from Playa del Carmen, has reported an outbreak of Legionnaires'

disease at 2 popular hotel properties. Travelers were alerted by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is based in

Atlanta. The CDC says that the outbreak is confined to just 2

resorts, the Regency Club Vacation Resort, which is a timeshare

property, and the Wyndham Cozumel Resort and Spa (formerly the Reef

Club Cozumel).

January 22, 2011 India Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Medical Alerts India January 22, 2011 04:48 GMT Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Gujarat At least three fatal cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been reported from the western state of Gujarat (see map) since early January.

January 14, 2011 Indonesia -Legionnaires Disease

Medical Alerts Indonesia January 14, 2011 19:44 GMT Legionnaires' disease reported among travelers to Kuta, Bali At least ten cases of Legionnaire's disease have been reported in travelers returning to Australia from Kuta, Bali (see map). The first two cases were identified in Western Australia in August 2010. Since then another eight cases have been reported, four in Western Australia and four in Victoria. Five of the ten cases have occurred since mid-December.

January 6, 2011 Hepatitis A -Bulgaria

Medical Alerts Bulgaria January 06, 2011 16:02 GMT Hepatitis A outbreak in the south There is a hepatitis A outbreak in southern Bulgaria. The cities of Stara Zagora and Haskovo are worst affected (see map). Cases have also been reported from Chirpan, Galabovo and Kazanlak.

December 18, 2010 Sudan Leishmaniasis

Medical Alerts Sudan December 18, 2010 18:27 GMT Leishmaniasis outbreak in the southern region An outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis (sometimes called kala-azar) has been reported in southeastern Sudan. The epidemic, the largest in eight years, has infected more than 9000 people since September 2009. At least 260 people have died. Areas most affected include Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile (see map). It is possible that many more people are infected, but have not been diagnosed or reported as cases.

          Health facilities are scarce in Sudan, and the country's infrastructure has been damaged by war and violence. It is difficult for people in remote areas to seek medical attention. Reduced immunity owing to chronic malnutrition is another factor considered to have worsened the outbreak.

          Leishmaniasis is consistently present in Sudan. Outbreaks occur every every five to ten years.

          The Disease

          Sometimes called kala-azar or black fever, leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease. It is more common in residents than travelers, though anyone can be infected. Humans become infected when they are bitten by an infected sandfly. Visceral leishmaniasis causes systemic disease that can be fatal.

November 30, 2010 Sweeden Diarrhea

Medical Alerts Sweden November 30, 2010 05:41 GMT Diarrhea outbreak in Östersund due to contaminated tap water Tap water in the Municipality of Östersund (see map) is contaminated with the parasite Cryptosporidium. The parasite has been confirmed in the region's water purification plant. Health authorities have issued a "boil water" notice, closed children's swimming pools, and advised people with reduced immunity not to swim.