FEMERAID International – the health service institution of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) – provides updates for all our Knights and Dames on the current outbreaks and risks worldwide with recommendations. 

There are several medical alerts around the world that should be considered before your departure. We have arranged them in alphabetical order and included the details on mitigation actions to reduce exposure when traveling or living in affected areas. Most of the diseases listed can be prevented through vaccination and practising good hygiene habits.

Angola: Conjunctivitis, pay attention to hygiene 

Burundi: Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date

Ethiopia: Malaria outbreak, avoid mosquito bites, consider preventive medication 

Guinea: Diphtheria outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Malawi: Conjunctivitis outbreak, pay attention to hygiene 

Mali: Bacterial meningitis outbreak, vaccination recommended, follow hygiene measures Mauritius: Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites 

Nigeria: Yellow fever outbreak ongoing, vaccination recommended, avoid mosquito bites Tanzania: Cholera outbreak across several regions, ensure safe food and water consumption, consider vaccination 

Uganda: Rise in conjunctivitis, pay attention to hygiene 

Argentina: Increase in psittacosis, avoid contact with birds 

Bolivia: Oropouche fever outbreak, avoid insect bites 

Brazil: Increase in Zika, avoid mosquito bites. Cholera in Bahia state, ensure safe food and water consumption. 

Colombia: Hepatitis A outbreak in Antioquia department, vaccination recommended, select safe food and water 

Honduras: Dengue outbreak; avoid mosquito bites 

Mexico: Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites. Water contamination in Benito Juarez borough, choose safe water. 

Paraguay: Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites 

Peru: Dengue activity, avoid mosquito bites. Oropouche fever, avoid insect bites.

Puerto Rico (US): Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites 

United States: Human bird flu infection in Texas state, avoid contact with infected animals. Human infection of swine-origin variant influenza detected in Pennsylvania, avoid contact with pigs, follow hygiene measures. Measles outbreak in Chicago, ensure vaccination is up to date. 

Uruguay: Increase in dengue, avoid mosquito bites 

Australia: Pertussis outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

East Timor: Chikungunya outbreak, avoid mosquito bites. Rabies cases, avoid animals, consider vaccination, seek prompt treatment if exposed. 

India: Kyasanur Forest Disease infections in Karnataka state, avoid tick bites. Mumps infections increase in Kerala state, ensure vaccination is up to date. 

Japan: Illnesses linked to red yeast rice-related supplements from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Company, avoid consumption 

Laos: Anthrax outbreak in Champassak province, avoid contact with dead animals, follow hygiene measures 

New Caledonia (France): Outbreak of shigellosis, pay attention to hygiene, choose safe food and water 

Philippines: pertussis outbreak, check vaccination status 

Taiwan (China): hand, foot and mouth disease, pay attention to hygiene 

Vietnam: Bird flu infections, avoid sick or dead birds. Rabies cases, avoid contact with animals, consider pre-exposure vaccination. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Czech Republic: Pertussis, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Finland: Hepatitis E rise, select safe food and water 

Kyrgyzstan: Measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Luxembourg: Pertussis, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Montenegro: Pertussis increasing, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Netherlands: Pertussis outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

North Macedonia: Pertussis outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Romania: Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Spain: Increase in pertussis, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Switzerland: Tick-borne encephalitis, avoid tick bites and consider vaccinationUnited Kingdom: Pertussis increasing, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Iraq: Measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

South Sudan: Measles infections, ensure vaccination is up to date. Conjunctivitis outbreak, pay attention to hygiene. 

Sudan: Multiple ongoing outbreaks, avoid mosquito bites, ensure safe water and up-to-date vaccinations 

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Potential health risks following floods 

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. 

6th May 2024