International Travellers Warned As Three Deadly Viruses Detected- 17 Countries Flagged For Travel Risks

Whether you are travelling for thanksgiving or just preparing to set off on an international trip, consider yourself warned and be prepared to take added precautions in light of the surge in number of cases of 3 highly fatal diseases: Marburg virus disease, Clade I strain of mpox, and Oropouche virus disease. According to UK-based health department's advisory site Travel Health Pro, alert notifications have been released to 17 countries within Africa, South America, and Central America. They warned the public to be on added guard.

Which Countries are Most Affected

The affected areas include Rwanda, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Uganda, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, and Peru. These outbreaks pose serious health threats to travelers and local populations.

Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak

The Marburg virus kills 88% of patients; thus, it creates quite an alarming situation. This is acquired from close association with colonies of the Rousettus fruit bats over prolonged periods in mines or caves and transmitted through contact with human body fluids or surfaces.

Symptoms present within hours and comprise:

• high fever
• severe headaches
• muscle pain
• severe diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• vomiting by the third day.
• A non-pruritic rash between days two to seven

By day five severe hemorrhagic symptoms involving subcutaneous bleeding may progress to include nose, gums bleeding and other sites of this symptom. In those rare fatal cases death results almost invariably within eight or nine days due to general overwhelming blood loss and associated circulatory failure.

Rwanda's Ministry of Health confirmed the outbreak on September 27, 2024, with 58 confirmed cases and 13 deaths reported as of October 9.

Mpox Clade I Outbreak

Mpox, particularly Clade I, has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak has badly affected countries in Africa, such as Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Mpox is primarily spread through close contact, which encompasses the following:

• Skin-to-skin or sexual contact.
• Mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin interactions like kissing.
• Respiratory droplets from close proximity to an infected individual.

Its symptoms include rash that lasts as long as four weeks, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches. Some cases have been reported from travelers coming from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and India but its concentration is highest in Africa.

Oropouche Virus Outbreak

America has witnessed a high alarm in cases of Oropouche virus, with over 10,000 confirmed cases in the year 2024 only. The disease, predominantly transmitted by infected midges and mosquitoes, affects various countries including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, and Peru.

This includes fever, joint ache, and muscle aches, among others; symptoms also include headaches, nausea, chills, vomiting, and rash.

Most patients, however, recover in less than a week, and complications such as aseptic meningitis may extend the period of recovery or, in rare instances, cause fatalities. This year, two deaths have been reported among young, otherwise healthy adults.

Travel Precautions and Tips To Take

Travel Health Pro advises all travelers to take preventive measures when visiting affected areas.

1. Avoiding Contact with Wildlife and Infected Persons: Reduce exposure to bats, do not touch body fluids directly, and keep away from people with symptoms.

2. Applying Insect Repellent: Apply repellents containing DEET, which would reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes that could transmit Oropouche virus. The use of long-sleeved clothes is also advisable.

3. Hygiene Practice: Ensure that one washes hands frequently and should not share personal effects.

4. Health Monitoring: Travelers must monitor their health before, during, and after their journey by reporting symptoms immediately to a health professional.

International health organizations, including the WHO and local health authorities, are closely monitoring these outbreaks and are doing their utmost to contain the spread of these viruses. Travelers are advised to keep updated on advisories and guidelines on health from reliable sources.

The Marburg virus disease, mpox Clade I, and Oropouche virus reiterate the risk of traveling the world when infectious diseases breakout. People should remain careful, adhere to the guidelines on health, and reconsider traveling to the areas under threat if not absolutely necessary.