Travel Advisories

Ebola

Government of Canada's Travel Advisory

Source: Travel.gc.ca

The Government of Canada currently has a Level 3 Travel Advisory in place, which advises Canadians to “Avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.” This advisory has been in place since March 13, 2021, and is subject to change as the situation evolves.

This advisory applies to all international travel, including to the United States. Canadians should also be aware that this advisory could be adjusted at any time, and they should take additional precautions to ensure their safety and health. Canadians should check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for the latest information and updates before travelling.

Ebola

July 2019: Ebola Update

Source: Travel.gc.ca

There has been an outbreak of Ebola in the Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Also known as hemorrhagic fever, Ebola is a deadly disease that occasionally appears around Africa. This disease spreads to others through contact with blood and bodily fluids, as well as through infected animals. Travellers are advised to consult with physicians before any plans to travel to the country, or neighbouring lands as well. If you do decide to visit, immediately seek care and isolate yourself from others if you suffer from symptoms such as body aches, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes. In more severe cases, patients may suffer from internal or external bleeding. In affected areas, be careful with whom you come in contact with, and take extra precaution for 3 weeks after leaving the area. Do not travel elsewhere under any circumstances until you are cleared by health officials to do so.

Rubella

August 2019: Rubella Update

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

There has been an outbreak of Rubella in regions of Japan, with most cases being reported in cities like Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. Otherwise referred to as German Measles, this disease spreads through the airborne particles of affected individuals. Before travelling to the populous region, make sure you are protected against the disease by the MMR or MMRV (Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella) vaccine. The vaccine has been used safely for over 40 years, and usually brings upon 0 to very few side effects. It is common for affected individuals to suffer from fevers and rashes. However, many people who are infected by the virus face no symptoms whatsoever. It is especially important for pregnant women to be wary of the possible birth defects on their children, including mental disabilities and heart disease

Yellow Fever

January 2019: Yellow Fever Update

Source: Travel.gc.ca

Nigeria faced an immense outbreak of Yellow Fever in 2017, that has now spread through every state of the country. The disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted through mosquitoes. As of last November there were a total of 3500 reported cases of the disease that can be fatal. Common mild symptoms include fever, chills, headache, back pain, body aches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness, which usually appear after about 3 days and last for a week. If a patient recovers and remits, the symptoms are often felt more severely including organ failure, shock, bleeding, and jaundice. If you plan on travelling to the country, be sure to update your vaccinations for yellow fever. There is currently a shortage of vaccines, so be sure to contact your healthcare provider in advance, as the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to the region. All travellers are advised to avoid mosquito bites by taking the necessary precautions. Some tips are to apply insect repellent, wear long sleeved clothes to minimize skin exposure, and sleep in a protected room with air conditioning.

Polio

February 2019: Polio Update

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/

There is currently a polio outbreak in Indonesia, particularly in the Papua Province. Polio is a deadly and contagious disease which targets the immune system. It can cause nerve injury resulting difficulty breathing, paralysis, and sometimes death. The CDC, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that all travelers to Indonesia be fully vaccinated against Polio. It is spread through contact with feces of an infected person, either directly or indirectly. Travelers can prevent polio by following the recommendation of the CDC and obtaining the vaccinations against polio. According to the CDC, travelers who may have been exposed to polio or who become sick during or after travel should postpone further travel and get immediate medical attention. Any person with possible exposure or polio-like symptoms will not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of a coordinated medical evacuation.

Polio

December 2018: Polio Update

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/

There is currently a polio outbreak in Niger, particularly in the Zinder Region. Polio is a deadly and contagious disease which targets the immune system. It can cause nerve injury resulting difficulty breathing, paralysis, and sometimes death. Some common symptoms of polio include fever, muscle weakness, headache, and fatigue. The CDC, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that all travelers to Indonesia be fully vaccinated against Polio. It is spread through contact with feces of an infected person, either directly or indirectly. Travelers can prevent polio by following the recommendation of the CDC and obtaining the vaccinations against polio. According to the CDC, travelers who may have been exposed to polio or who become sick during or after travel should postpone further travel and get immediate medical attention. Any person with possible exposure or polio-like symptoms will not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of a coordinated medical evacuation.

Polio

October 2018: Polio Update

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/

There is currently a polio outbreak in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern state of Borno. Polio is a deadly and contagious disease which targets the immune system. It can cause nerve injury resulting difficulty breathing, paralysis, and sometimes death. Some common symptoms of polio include fever, muscle weakness, headache, and fatigue. The CDC, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that all travelers to Indonesia be fully vaccinated against Polio. It is spread through contact with feces of an infected person, either directly or indirectly. Travelers can prevent polio by following the recommendation of the CDC and obtaining the vaccinations against polio. According to the CDC, travelers who may have been exposed to polio or who become sick during or after travel should postpone further travel and get immediate medical attention. Any person with possible exposure or polio-like symptoms will not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of a coordinated medical evacuation.

Polio

October 2018: Polio Update

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/

There is currently a polio outbreak in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu and the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions. Polio is a deadly and contagious disease which targets the immune system. It can cause nerve injury resulting difficulty breathing, paralysis, and sometimes death. Some common symptoms of polio include fever, muscle weakness, headache, and fatigue. The CDC, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that all travelers to Indonesia be fully vaccinated against Polio. It is spread through contact with feces of an infected person, either directly or indirectly. Travelers can prevent polio by following the recommendation of the CDC and obtaining the vaccinations against polio. According to the CDC, travelers who may have been exposed to polio or who become sick during or after travel should postpone further travel and get immediate medical attention. Any person with possible exposure or polio-like symptoms will not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of a coordinated medical evacuation.

Lassa Fever

Updated February 2019

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/

Recently, Nigeria Center for Disease Control has stated that there has been an outbreak of Lassa Fever, which is a viral illness that occurs in West Africa. There have been many cases of this illness across the country, in areas around the Edo and Ondo states since the beginning of the year. This illness is mostly spread by infected rodents or from their feces, or in some cases through close contact with a person who has Lassa Fever. Lassa fever it can cause serious symptoms such as bleeding in the eyes, gums, or nose, breathing problems, and even repeated vomiting. Due to the outbreak in Nigeria, the CDC recommends to avoid all nonessential travel to Nigeria. Travelers who must travel to Nigeria, travelers should avoid all contact with rats, especially rat droppings (feces and urine) and to keep their shelter clean. Travelers should often wash their hands and avoid contact with those who are sick. According to the CDC, travelers who may have been exposed to Lassa fever or who become sick during or after travel should postpone further travel and get immediate medical attention. Any person with possible exposure or Lassa fever-like symptoms will not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of a coordinated medical evacuation.

Monkeypox in Nigeria

August Update 2019

Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/

Currently there has been an increased number of cases of a rare disease in Nigeria called monkeypox. As of 2019, health officials from Nigeria have confirmed more than 300 cases of monkeypox as there have been multiple deaths. Monkeypox occurs throughout tropical forests, and it can spread to humans through contact with people or animals that are infected with the monkeypox virus. Major signs and symptoms of the illness include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion and rashes. The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends to practice usual precautions when traveling to Nigeria due to the outbreak. Since monkeypox can spread through humans and animals, travelers should wash their hands often with soap and water and avoid contact with those who are infected. Travelers should also avoid contact with wild animals as those animals may harbor the virus as that virus may spread to humans. According to CDC, travelers who may have been exposed to monkeypox or who become sick during or after travel should postpone further travel and get immediate medical attention. Any person with possible exposure or monkeypox-like symptoms will not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of a coordinated medical evacuation.