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.

Burundi: Increase in measles infections, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Chad: Hepatitis E outbreak in eastern Ouaddai region, select safe food and water. Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date. Ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Batha region, ensure vaccination is up to date. 

Ethiopia: Polio detected in multiple states; booster recommended, carry proof of vaccination Ghana: Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Guinea: Diphtheria outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Malawi: Increase in measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Mali: Increase in bacterial meningitis, vaccination recommended, follow hygiene measures Mauritania: Increase in measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Mauritius: Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites

Niger: Meningococcal meningitis outbreak, vaccination recommended, maintain personal hygiene 

Nigeria: Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Réunion (France): Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites 

Somalia: Cholera outbreak, ensure safe food and water consumption, consider vaccination. Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date. 

Togo: Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Brazil: Increase in leptospirosis and other health risks following floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Yellow fever infections, vaccination recommended, avoid mosquito bites. 

Colombia: Water shortage in multiple departments, conserve and store water 

Cuba: Oropouche fever detected in Santiago de Cuba province, avoid insect bites 

Curacao: Increase in dengue, avoid mosquito bites 

Guatemala: Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites 

Honduras: Rise in dengue activity; avoid mosquito bites 

Peru: Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites 

United States: Pertussis outbreak in Lane county (Oregon state), check vaccination status 

Afghanistan: Increase in measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Asia & the Pacific: Increasing pertussis, ensure vaccination is up to date 

AUS, IND: Child infected with bird flu following travel to India, follow hygiene measures Australia: Murray Valley encephalitis in northern Western Australia state, avoid mosquito bites China: Bird flu infection in Fujian province, avoid contact with birds and follow hygiene measures Fiji: Dengue outbreak, avoid mosquito bites 

India: Hepatitis A in Kerala state, vaccination recommended, select safe food and water. Mumps infections increase in Kerala state, ensure vaccination is up to date. West Nile Virus in Kerala state, avoid mosquito bites 

Japan: Increase in serious streptococcal infections, pay attention to personal hygiene 

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

Pakistan: Increased heat, minimize exposure, stay hydrated 

Samoa: Increase in dengue, avoid mosquito bites 

Vanuatu: Leptospirosis outbreak in Ambae island (Penama province), avoid contaminated water 

Vietnam: Increased risk of food poisoning, select safe food. Increasing pertussis, ensure vaccination is up to date. Potential freshwater shortage in Mekong Delta, conserve and store water. Rise in rabies, avoid contact with animals, consider pre-exposure vaccination, seek prompt treatment if exposed.

Armenia: Increase in measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Increase in measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Czech Republic: Increase in pertussis, ensure vaccination is up to date Germany: Increase in measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Kyrgyzstan: Measles outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Netherlands: Pertussis outbreak, ensure vaccination is up to date Poland: Increase in measles, ensure vaccination is up to date 

Switzerland: Tick-borne encephalitis, avoid tick bites and consider vaccination 

United Kingdom: Cryptosporidiosis in Brixham (Devon county, England), boil water 

South Sudan: Increase in measles infections, ensure vaccination is up to date. Yellow fever outbreak in Western Equatoria state, vaccination recommended, avoid mosquito bites. Yemen: Cholera outbreak, ensure safe food and water consumption, consider vaccination 

General recommendation 

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. 

10th June 2024