Zika virus infection in the Americas - Travel Health Advisory

In 2015, Zika virus was reported for the first time in a number of countries in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean and Mexico. Past outbreaks of Zika virus infection have been reported in Africa, Asia and the Oceanic Pacific region.
There have been travel-related cases of Zika virus reported in Canada in returned travellers from countries where the virus is known to circulate. There have been no reported cases of locally acquired Zika virus in Canada.
For the latest updates on countries affected by Zika virus, please visit the World Health Organization's website. For the latest map of confirmed cases in the Americas visit the  Pan American Health Organization's website.
Zika virus infection is caused by a virus which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash, along with joint and muscle pain. The illness is typically mild and lasts only a few days.
In Brazil, there has recently been a significant increase in number of babies born with microcephaly (abnormally small head). The Ministry of Health of Brazil recently identified a possible relationship between Zika virus infection and the increase in the number of microcephaly cases. An investigation to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infection and increased risk for microcephaly is ongoing.
It is recommended that pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant discuss their travel plans with their health care provider to assess their risk and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating. If travel cannot be postponed then strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed to protect themselves against bites.
An association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been observed in both Brazil and El Salvador. A higher than normal number of GBS cases have been identified following the circulation of Zika virus in these two countries. Investigations to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infection and the increase in cases of GBS is ongoing.
On February 1, 2016 the World Health Organization declared that the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders reported in Brazil, following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014, constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The investigation is ongoing to confirm whether Zika virus may be the cause of these microcephaly cases. and this announcement recommends that actions be taken to standardize and enhance surveillance, as well as to intensify research. No trade or travel restrictions have been implemented.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that all travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites when travelling to areas where Zika virus is circulating. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Zika virus infection.
This travel health notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times, as the Zika virus is transmitted by a mosquito that can bite in daylight and evening hours. This includes the use of insect repellant and protective clothing.
• Pregnant women, and those considering becoming pregnant, should discuss their risk with their health care provider and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating. If travel cannot be postponed, strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed due to the possible association between Zika virus infection and increased risk of serious health effects on their unborn baby.
• If you develop symptoms similar to Zika virus infection when you are travelling, or after you return, see a health care provider and tell them where you have been travelling or living.

more info on Health Risks at travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices

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Travel Health Notice

Zika virus infection in the Americas

Updated: January 15, 2016

In 2015, Zika virus was reported for the first time in a number of countries in Central and South America, as well as in Mexico. Past outbreaks of Zika virus infection have been reported in Africa, Asia and the Oceanic Pacific region.
There have been travel-related cases of Zika virus reported in Canada in returned travellers from countries where the virus is known to circulate.  There have been no reported cases of locally acquired Zika virus in Canada.
For the latest updates on countries affected by Zika virus, please visit the World Health Organization's website. For the latest map of confirmed cases in the Americas visit the  Pan American Health Organization's website.
Zika virus infection is caused by a virus which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash, along with joint and muscle pain. The illness is typically mild and lasts only a few days.
In Brazil, there has recently been a significant increase in number of babies born with birth defects (congenital malformations), such as infants born with an abnormally small head and microcephaly (an underdeveloped brain). The Ministry of Health of Brazil recently identified a possible relationship between Zika virus infection and the increase in the number of microcephaly cases. An investigation to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infection and increased risk for microcephaly is ongoing.
It is recommended that pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant discuss their travel plans with their health care provider to assess their risk and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating in the Americas.  If travel cannot be postponed then strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed to protect themselves against bites.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that all travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites when travelling to areas where Zika virus is circulating. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Zika virus infection.
This travel health notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times, as the Zika virus is transmitted by a mosquito that can bite in daylight and evening hours. This includes the use of insect repellant and protective clothing.
• Pregnant women, and those considering becoming pregnant, should discuss their risk with their health care provider. If travel cannot be postponed, strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed due to the possible association between Zika virus infection and increased risk of serious health effects on their unborn baby.
  • Prevention measures include, using bed nets, and wearing long-sleeved, loose fitting shirts tucked into long pants. For more information go to the webpage on insect bite prevention.
• If you develop symptoms similar to Zika virus infection when you are travelling, or after you return, see a health care provider and tell them where you have been travelling or living.

more info on Health Risks at travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices

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Travel Health Notice

Cholera in Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti

Updated: September 28, 2015

In recent years, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti have reported cases of cholera.
Haiti has experienced a cholera epidemic since October 2010, with over 700,000 cases and close to 9000 related deaths since that time.  In 2015, to date, Haiti has reported over 20,000 cases, which is an increase when compared to the same time period in 2014.
The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has also experienced a cholera epidemic since October 2010, though on a smaller scale, with over 33,000 cases and close to 500 related deaths.  In 2015, to date, the Dominican Republic has reported over 350 cases, which is an increase when compared to the same time period in 2014.
In August 2015, Cuba reported isolated cases of cholera in the province of Holguín. Although these are the first cases reported by Cuba this year, in January 2015, Canada reported a case of cholera in a traveller who returned from a trip to Cuba.
Travellers should note that there may be an increase in the number of cases during seasonal heavy rainfall which occurs during the months of May to July and September to October.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People usually become infected from drinking or eating contaminated water or food. It is associated with watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be life-threatening.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends practising safe food and water precautions while in Cuba, Dominican Republic or Haiti.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

1. Practise safe food and water precautions
2. Consider getting vaccinated
   • Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers at high risk for cholera (travellers visiting areas of high risk with limited access to clean water and food) may benefit from vaccination and should consult with a health care provider to discuss this option.
3. If you develop severe diarrhea and/or vomiting while travelling or after you return to Canada
   • Seek medical attention immediately.
   • Drink fluids and use oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.
     • Infants, young children and the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk of dehydration.
   • If you are still ill upon arrival into Canada, please tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you exit the flight.

more info on Health Risks at travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices