All articles tagged with #travel related
New Jersey has confirmed its first Zika case in six years—a travel-acquired infection in a Middlesex County resident—though officials say the public risk remains low; Zika has no vaccine or specific treatment, and it can pose serious risk to pregnant people. Nationwide, only six US cases have been reported this year, all travel-associated, with no local transmission detected in New York.
Utah health officials report 48 cases of cyclosporiasis, with all but five linked to travel, as investigators monitor the ongoing outbreak.
Erie County confirms a travel-related measles case—the first since 2018. The infected resident visited several local sites in late May, with exposure windows up to two hours after leaving each location. Health officials urge immunity (birth before 1957, two MMR vaccines, prior infection, or lab-confirmed immunity) and advise exposed individuals without immunity to monitor for symptoms and call ahead before seeking care at a clinic or emergency department.
A Maryland resident who traveled to El Salvador has been diagnosed with the rare New World screwworm, marking the first U.S. case linked to travel to an outbreak area. The parasite, which lays eggs in open wounds and can cause flesh-eating larvae, poses low risk to the public but is a concern for livestock and rural communities. The individual has recovered, and no transmission has been reported. Prevention includes avoiding insect bites and keeping wounds covered, while treatment involves removing the larvae. Scientists are monitoring the situation as the parasite's northward spread remains a concern.
A person in the U.S. was diagnosed with flesh-eating screwworm after traveling to El Salvador, marking the first U.S. case linked to an outbreak in the country. The CDC confirmed the case and is working with authorities to prevent further spread, noting that the parasite mainly affects livestock and is rarely a threat to humans.
The first confirmed case of travel-associated New World Screwworm myiasis in a human in the U.S. was reported in a patient returning from El Salvador. The CDC states the risk to public health is currently very low, but the case highlights the potential for the spread of this parasitic infestation caused by fly larvae that feed on live tissue, primarily affecting livestock and occasionally humans, especially in rural areas.
Hawaii has reported its 12th travel-related dengue case this year, all on Oahu, with the disease not endemic but spread through mosquito bites from travelers. The state is taking measures to control mosquitoes, and residents are advised to prevent bites and seek medical attention if symptoms appear after visiting dengue-endemic regions.
Another travel-related case of dengue has been reported in Haleiwa, Oahu, prompting the Hawaii Department of Health to urge the public to take extra precautions due to the high visitor traffic and dense mosquito populations in the area. Vector control teams have treated the area and are monitoring it closely, while urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Since January 1, 2023, there have been 10 travel-related dengue cases reported in Hawaii, with five cases linked to Central or South America and five to Asia.
The Hawaii Health Department has reported a third case of travel-related dengue on Oahu this year, with previous cases reported on Oahu and Maui. While dengue is not endemic in Hawaii, travelers to regions where the disease is prevalent are at risk. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches, and travelers returning from affected areas should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop.
Maryland has reported its first-ever case and death due to the Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne illness. The patient contracted the virus in Canada and later died in Maryland. The Powassan virus is spread through tick bites and is most commonly found in the Northeast and Great Lakes region. The virus cannot be transmitted from person to person, and there are currently no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat the disease. Officials advise avoiding tick-infested areas and checking for ticks after being in such areas.
The Arkansas Department of Health has reported a case of locally acquired malaria, bringing the total number of cases in the US this year to 10. The infected person had not traveled outside the country, unlike the previous five cases reported in Arkansas. Malaria is typically contracted through mosquito bites, with most cases in the US being travel-related. This year, seven cases of locally acquired malaria have been reported in Florida, one in Texas, and one in Maryland.
The Hawaii Health Department has confirmed two cases of travel-related dengue virus. The individuals contracted the virus while traveling outside of Hawaii and are currently being monitored.