CHIKUNGUNYA - AREAS AT RISK

Chikungunya virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Outbreaks have occurred in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. There is a risk the virus can spread to unaffected areas by infected travelers.   There are currently no medicines to treat chikungunya. The best way to prevent chikungunya is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.  Vaccination is recommended for some travelers. 

Getting vaccinated is the most effective method for safeguarding oneself against hepatitis A. The hepatitis A vaccine, a routine childhood immunization since 1996, has proven to be highly effective. It is strongly advised for individuals aged 6 months or older, including international travelers, who are planning to visit countries where hepatitis A is prevalent.

2 dose series - Travelers visiting certain regions in Asia and the Western Pacific may face a risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis through mosquito bites. Nevertheless, it is important to note that for the majority of travelers, the likelihood of encountering this disease is relatively low. In circumstances where individuals plan to spend extended periods in areas with a higher prevalence of Japanese encephalitis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises considering vaccination as a precautionary measure.

To safeguard against meningococcal meningitis, receiving the vaccine is paramount. Depending on your vaccination history and travel arrangements, you may require a MenACWY vaccine or a booster. When visiting the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa, the CDC strongly advises obtaining the vaccine.

Although polio has been eradicated from the majority of the world, isolated cases still persist in certain countries. The majority of adults in the U.S. have been immunized against polio during their childhood. However, the CDC recommends that travelers heading to countries with a heightened risk of polio may consider receiving a one-time booster dose of IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine) prior to their travel. 

3 dose series - Rabies remains a significant concern in various regions worldwide, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Dog bites are the primary source of rabies transmission for many travelers. The vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second dose given seven days following the initial shot. 

Travelers venturing to numerous regions in Europe and Asia should be aware of the potential risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) infection. Individuals who plan to engage in outdoor activities in TBE-endemic areas, where ticks are prevalent, may consider the administration of a TBE vaccine as a recommended precautionary measure.   

For individuals traveling to regions where typhoid fever is prevalent, particularly in South Asia (specifically India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh), the CDC strongly advises vaccination. We encourage you to schedule a pre-travel consultation with us at least one month prior to your trip to explore the available typhoid fever vaccine options tailored to your needs.    

Travelers visiting specific regions in South America and Africa should be aware of the risk of yellow fever, a virus transmitted through mosquito bites. In fact, certain countries may even mandate proof of vaccination as a requirement for entry. The CDC advises individuals to schedule their yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to their travel plans.