Although Japanese encephalitis rarely occurs in travelers, certain groups and subsets of individuals have a risk of infection that can reach 1 in 5000 travelers per week. It is crucial to recognize those with increased risk, and to seriously consider immunizing them in order to prevent the potentially devastating sequelae of Japanese encephalitis.
Two recent publications cover common issues pertinent to travelers. There is a new way to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of myiasis, which is reviewed here. Included is also a synopsis of an illustrative article to make available to those who give advice to travelers regarding health care abroad.
Review of Efficacy of Ginkgo; Celebrex OK for Asthma Patients; Losartan Not Superior to Captopril; Alfa-Interferon Could Help Fight West Nile; FDA Actions
Careful evaluation of epidemiologic data from recent African outbreaks of meningococcal disease suggests that significant risks now extend beyond the sub-Saharan belt through the Rift Valley and Great Lakes regions into Mozambique, then into Namibia and Angola.
