MEDICAL ALERT from FEMERAID International as of 4 March 2024
FEMERAID International – the health service institution of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) – informs all our Knights and Dames about the monthly summary of pandemics around the world:

AFRICA 

Angola: Urgent polio outbreak in Luanda. Boosters are strongly recommended. Travelers must carry proof of vaccination. 

Comoros: Cholera outbreak alert. Prioritize safe food and water consumption. Consider vaccination for added protection. 

Congo (DRC): Anthrax cases reported. Avoid any contact with animals. Mpox outbreak - Strict hygiene essential. Steer clear of sick individuals. 

Ethiopia: Cholera outbreak in multiple regions. Prioritize safe food, water and vaccination. Malaria Surge: Guard against mosquito bites and consider preventive medications. Measles outbreak: Verify and update vaccinations. 

Guinea: Diphtheria outbreak. Ensure all vaccinations are up to date. Kenya: Increase in conjunctivitis. Emphasize personal hygiene to prevent spread. 

Mali: Dengue Outbreak. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 

Mauritius: Dengue outbreak in Port-Louis. Protect against mosquito bites. 

Mozambique: Cholera outbreak: Prioritize safe food, water and vaccinations. 

Namibia: Malaria increase in Northern regions. Avoid mosquito bites; consider preventive medications. 

Nigeria: Diphtheria outbreak: Ensure all vaccinations are up to date. Lassa Fever Alert: Strict hygiene practices and avoiding sick individuals are crucial. 

Senegal: Polio outbreak in Dakar. Boosters recommended. Carry proof of vaccination. 

Somalia: Cholera outbreak in flood-affected areas. Prioritize safe food, water and vaccinations. Diphtheria cases reported. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. Measles outbreak: Confirm vaccinations are current. 

South Sudan: Yellow fever outbreak in Western Equatoria state. Vaccination recommended; take precautions against mosquito bites. 

Sudan: Cholera outbreak: Prioritize safe food, water and vaccinations. 

Tanzania: Conjunctivitis on the rise. Emphasize personal hygiene. 

Zambia: Cholera outbreak: Prioritize safe food, water and vaccinations. Measles outbreak: Confirm vaccinations are up to date. 

Zimbabwe: Cholera outbreak: Prioritize safe food, water and vaccinations. Polio detected in Harare and Mashonaland West Province. Boosters recommended; carry proof of vaccination. 

AMERICAS

Argentina: Western Equine Encephalitis detected. Urgent: Avoid mosquito bites for personal protection. 

Brazil: Dengue fever activity is increasing. High-risk areas: Avoid mosquito bites. Oropouche fever in Acre and Amazonas states. Prevent insect bites to minimize risk. 

Colombia: Dengue outbreak. Priority: Avoid mosquito bites for prevention. 

Honduras: Rise in Dengue activity. Critical: Guard against mosquito bites for personal protection. 

Paraguay: Dengue outbreak. Priority: Avoid mosquito bites for personal safety. 

Peru: Dengue fever activity is increasing. Critical: Prevent mosquito bites to reduce risk. Oropouche fever in the Madre de Dios department. Urgent: to protect yourself, avoid insect bites. 

Turks and Caicos Islands: Dengue fever outbreak. Priority: Avoid mosquito bites for personal protection. 

Uruguay: Western Equine Encephalitis in multiple departments. Urgent: Prevent mosquito bites for personal safety. 

ASIA & PACIFIC 

Region-wide: Bird flu infections reported. General advice: Avoid contact with birds and adhere to hygiene measures. 
Cambodia: Human cases of bird flu confirmed. Urgent: Strictly avoid contact with birds. 

Micronesia: Potential water shortage. Important: Conserve and store water responsibly. 

Australia: Increase in Ross River fever in Queensland state. Priority: Avoid mosquito bites for personal protection. 

East Timor: Chikungunya cases increase. Critical: Protect against mosquito bites for personal safety. Zika cases reported. Urgent: Avoid mosquito bites and assess individual infection risk.

India: Karnataka state: Rise in Kyasanur forest disease infections. Essential: Avoid tick bites. 

Japan: Increased seasonal influenza activity. Ensure vaccination is up to date for personal protection. 

Malaysia: Increase in dengue activity. Urgent: Avoid mosquito bites for personal safety. 

Sri Lanka: Increased dengue infections. Priority: Avoid mosquito bites for personal protection. Measles outbreak. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. 

Thailand: Zika cases reported. Assess individual infection risk and prioritize measures to avoid mosquito bites. 

General recommendation

FEMERAID International strongly recommends the following to all Knights and Dames planning to travel to the above-mentioned regions: 

Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about the local health situation in the regions you plan to visit. 
Preventive Measures: Follow local health authorities’ recommended preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. 
Seek Medical Attention: If you experience any symptoms related to the above diseases, seek medical attention immediately. 
Prioritize Personal Health: Adhere to vaccination schedules to ensure you have adequate protection against prevalent diseases. 
Mosquito Bite Prevention: Take necessary precautions, especially measures to prevent mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing and stay in well-screened accommodations. 

For further advice or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to FEMERAID’s General Secretary (secretary.general@femeraid.org). Your health and safety are of paramount importance for our Sovereign State. 

Have safe travels, may your journey be healthy and prosperous, and remember together we are stronger... 

4th March 2024