120920 – World Health Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international health risks as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.

Health

• Bangladesh * GOV.UK * Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip and have access to a vehicle, it may be quicker to head straight to the nearest hospital yourself. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, or are unsure where the nearest hospital is situated, dial the Bangladesh National Emergency Hotline – 999 and ask for an ambulance. If you suspect a heart attack, ask for a ‘cardiac ambulance’. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
• Bermuda * GOV.UK * Medication and medical treatment in Bermuda is very expensive. You should make sure they have travel insurance before travelling. Most types of medication are readily available in Bermuda including UK brands, but you should bring extra medication with you to Bermuda to prepare for unplanned and extended stays.
• British Indian Ocean Territory * GOV.UK * There are no medical facilities in the territory. Emergency response and search and rescue facilities are limited, and private medical evacuation can take several days to transport a patient to a suitable medical facility.
• Burkina Faso * WHO * Hepatitis E. Between 8 September and 24 November, 2020, the North-Central region of Burkina Faso reported a cumulative total of 442 cases of febrile jaundice. The vast majority of cases (87.5%) were reported from Barsalogho health district with 387 cases and 16 deaths, representing a case-fatality rate of 4.1% (see Figure 1 and 2). A total of 15 out of 16 deaths were reported in pregnant or postpartum women. A total of 10 cases were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Currently 38 patients are being followed up at the Barsalogho medical center; 10 of which are in hospital. Case descriptions according to individual characteristics show that 67% of cases were less than 30 years old (mean age is 25 ± 12 years); 54% of febrile jaundice cases were female; and nearly 5% of cases were less than 5 years old.
• Cambodia * GOV.UK * Many medications that would require a prescription in the UK can be bought over-the-counter in Cambodia. However, you may not find a brand you are familiar with and many pharmacies sell counterfeit or out of date products. The main branch of Pharmacie de la Gare in Phnom Penh can provide medications without a prescription and can deliver medications across the country. Before you travel, you should discuss with your doctor alternative brands of medication for your condition.
• Cameroon * GOV.UK * Pharmacies and health centres remain open. They have a green cross outside. Most are extremely helpful to clients. Pharmacies in Cameroon tend to accept prescriptions drawn up in the UK. Not all pharmacies have full stocks so you should be prepared to have to visit more than one for some drugs – a pharmacy will usually advise you on other possibilities nearby. Most supermarkets do not have a pharmacy inside. If you are hospitalised in Cameroon and need drugs of any kind, you, or an accompanying person, will have to visit a pharmacy (usually in the hospital) to buy the drugs first and then return to the ward before you can be treated. View Health for further details on healthcare in Cameroon.
• Cape Verde * GOV.UK * If you need medicine, you will only be able to buy it from a pharmacy. Unlike in the UK, non-prescription medication is not available in supermarkets or other shops. There are a limited number of Pharmacies on each island and they are usually identified by a green cross. Find a pharmacy near you on the Pharmacy Network website. If you have a UK prescription, take it to a pharmacy and ask the pharmacist whether they can dispense your medication for you. Remember the pharmacist will have to apply national rules so may not be able to give you the same strength or dosage. Some medicines may not be available or may not be authorised for sale in Cape Verde. In some cases, the medicine might not be in stock so they will need to order it. This can take up to a week or more. If you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E.
• Cayman Islands * GOV.UK * If you need to get further supplies of your prescribed medicine whilst you are in the Cayman Islands, you will need to visit a registered physician, who will either countersign your UK prescription or issue a new one. It is likely that you will have to pay for your medicine up front then submit a claim for reimbursement through your travel insurance.
• Côte d’Ivoire * GOV.UK * Unlike in the UK, you will need to go to pharmacy to obtain most over-the-counter medicines as these are not generally available in supermarkets. Many items that would require a prescription in the UK do not require one in Côte d’Ivoire. For items that do require a prescription in Côte d’Ivoire, UK prescriptions will be accepted but the duty doctor at the pharmacy may need to authorise purchase. Pharmacies are usually identified by a green cross outside and will display a list showing which pharmacies are on duty (‘de garde’) out of hours.
• Cuba * GOV.UK * The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. Many medicines, pharmacy and sanitary products are unavailable in Cuba. You should bring a sufficient supply of any prescription drugs you take regularly, as well as other products you may need.
• El Salvador * GOV.UK * British-issued prescriptions cannot be used locally. To find a pharmacy (“farmacia”) look for one of the big national chains such as Farmacia San Nicolas, Farmacias UNO or Farmacias Economicas, among others; a quick search online should help you to identify the nearest open one. For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.
• Ghana * GOV.UK * Unlike in the UK, you will need to go to a pharmacy to obtain most over-the-counter medicines. Only a very limited selection are available at supermarkets or other stores and you may be offered as an alternative, another brand or a similar generic medicine. Where possible, purchase known brands or medicines with a Ghana Food and Drug Administration registration number stamped on the packet. Pharmacies are widely available and are usually identified by a green cross. They will accept prescriptions from the UK.
• Guinea-Bissau * GOV.UK * Pharmacies in Guinea Bissau are limited and may sometimes have limited supplies. Pharmacies will accept UK prescriptions. Pharmacies are the only places where you can buy medicines. Please note that pharmacies in Guinea Bissau do not have accreditation with UK insurance companies so make sure you speak to your insurance company beforehand if you need a refund.
• Hong Kong * GOV.UK * You can only get prescribed medication in Hong Kong after seeing a doctor, unless your prescription obtained from a UK doctor specifically states it will be required in Hong Kong.
• Italy * GOV.UK * Unlike in the UK, you will need to go to a pharmacy (“farmacia”) to get most over-the-counter medicines. Only a very limited selection are available at supermarkets or other stores. Pharmacies are widely available and are usually identified by a green cross. They will accept prescriptions from the UK.
• Kazakhstan * GOV.UK * Pharmacies and chemists are widely available in Kazakhstan and some remain open 24/7. They are often marked by a red or green cross. Basic medications (aspirin etc.) are available without a prescription. For prescription medication you will need to present a valid prescription either from a local doctor or your doctor in the UK. Pharmacies will often accept prescriptions from the UK. You may need to get your UK prescription translated into Russian or Kazakh. Make sure you have adequate medication to cover your trip. Some prescription medicines used in the UK are not widely available in Kazakhstan. Your local doctor or pharmacy is best placed to advise on availability of specific medications. Medications are often supplied under different brand names in Kazakhstan so it is important to ask for the generic name of the relevant drug. If your prescription medication is not available locally, it may be possible to get supplies couriered from abroad through some private clinics.
• Kyrgyzstan * GOV.UK * Pharmacies and chemists are very widely available in Kyrgyzstan. They are often marked by a green cross. You may need to pay for medicine in cash. Basic medications (aspirin etc.) are available without a prescription. For prescription medication you will need to present a valid prescription either from a local doctor or your doctor in the UK. You should check with your local pharmacy if they will accept a prescription from the UK. You may need to get your UK prescription translated into Russian or Kyrgyz. Some prescription medicines used in the UK are not widely available in Kyrgyzstan. Your local doctor or pharmacy is best placed to advise on availability of specific medications. Medications are often supplied under different brand names in Kyrgyzstan so it is important to ask for the generic name of the relevant drug. If your prescription medication is not available in Kyrgyzstan it may be possible to get supplies couriered from Russia and Turkey though this could take some time.
• Macao * GOV.UK * Prescriptions issued by UK doctors are not valid in Macao. To obtain prescription medication, you will need to see a local doctor. For further information, see our list of medical facilities in Macao.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 29 November-5 December 2020, week 49 * Poliomyelitis. Since the previous update and as of 1 December 2020, 106 cases of polioviruses (WPV1, cVDPV1 and cVDPV2) have been reported, five of which were caused by the WPV1 strain, two by the cVDPV1 strain and 99 by the cVDPV2 strain. Wild poliovirus (WPV1): Three cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) caused by WPV1 have been reported in Afghanistan. Two cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) caused by WPV1 have been reported in Pakistan. 24 WPV1 environmental samples have also been detected: 23 in Pakistan and one in Afghanistan. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV): Two new cases of AFP caused by cVDPV1 have been reported in Yemen. 99 cases of AFP caused by cVDPV2 have been reported from 12 countries: Afghanistan (39), Cote d’Ivoire (16), Burkina Faso (9), Democratic Republic of the Congo (8), South Sudan (7), Sudan (7), Somalia (4), Pakistan (3), Mali (2), Niger (2), Chad (1), and Nigeria (1). No new cases of cVDPV3 have been reported. 76 cVDPV2 environmental samples have also been detected: Pakistan (33), Afghanistan (32), Cote D’Ivoire (4), Sudan (3), South Sudan (2), Ghana (1) and Somalia (1). The third nationwide polio vaccination campaign was announced in Pakistan, starting 30 November 2020. Across the country, 39 million children under the age of 5 will receive the polio vaccine.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 29 November-5 December 2020, week 49 * Influenza activity remained at interseasonal levels. Of 804 sentinel specimens tested for influenza viruses in week 48, four were positive and of 10 960 non-sentinel specimens tested for influenza viruses, 40 tested positive. Both influenza type A and type B viruses were detected. During week 48/2020, there were three hospitalised laboratory-confirmed influenza cases from ICUs and a further three cases in wards outside of ICUs.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 29 November-5 December 2020, week 49 * Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Since the previous update and as of 2 December 2020, one additional case of MERS-CoV has been reported by the Saudi Arabian health authorities.
• Myanmar (Burma) * GOV.UK * Prescriptions from the UK are not accepted in Myanmar. Most hospitals, both government and private, have their own pharmacies. A government hospital will provide a prescription for collection at their pharmacy once a patient has been assessed. To attend a private hospital or clinic you must first register, following an assessment any prescription can be collected at the pharmacy on their premises. Pre-COVID, specific foreign medicines unavailable in Myanmar, could be ordered from Bangkok but suppliers are currently unable to transport these medicines due to COVID restrictions. Medication is sourced locally with supplies from India and Europe. It is therefore recommended that anyone on regular medication brings sufficient supplies with them or is able to have their medication couriered from the UK.
• Nigeria * WHO * Yellow Fever. Reports of a cluster of deaths from an undiagnosed disease were notified on 1 November 2020 through Event Based Surveillance in two states, Delta and Enugu, located in southern Nigeria.
• Philippines * GOV.UK * Not all UK prescribed medication is available in the Philippines. If you need to get prescribed medication at a local pharmacy, you should present your original prescription or a letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition, the prescribed medicine and recommended dosage. You should consult with your GP or seek medical advice if you are running low on supplies.
• Portugal * Communicable disease threats report, 29 November-5 December 2020, week 49 * Legionnaires’ disease. The public health authority in Portugal has updated ECDC on an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. Since the previous report on 21 November 2020 and as of 3 December 2020, a further seven cases and four deaths have been reported, resulting in 79 cases and 13 deaths identified since 29 October, in the Norte (Northern) Region of Portugal.
• Portugal * GOV.UK * You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most medicines, though some non-prescription medication is sold at health stores in supermarkets and shopping centres. Pharmacies are widely available and are identified with a green cross. Find a pharmacy near you on the Pharmacy Association website. If you have a UK prescription, take it to a pharmacy and ask the pharmacist whether they can dispense your medication for you. Remember the pharmacist will have to apply national rules so may not be able to give you the same strength or dosage. Some medicines may not be available or may not be authorised for sale in Portugal.
• Senegal * GOV.UK * All over Senegal, you can find pharmacies in the big cities. Pharmacies accept UK prescriptions. Pharmacies are the only places where you can buy medicines. Please note that pharmacies in Senegal do not have accreditation with UK insurance companies so make sure you speak to your insurance company beforehand if you need a refund.
• Sierra Leone * GOV.UK * Hospitals and medical facilities throughout Sierra Leone are limited. Medical supplies are unreliable and availability limited. There is no effective public or commercial accident and emergency or ambulance service in the country. You should carry basic medical supplies. Ensure you have adequate supplies of prescription medication, bearing in mind the risk of delays due to flight cancellations. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.
• St Vincent and the Grenadines * GOV.UK * The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
• Thailand * GOV.UK * Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered controlled substances in Thailand. Restrictions tend to apply to medication containing narcotic and pyschotropic substances, which means that you may not be able to bring certain types of medicine into Thailand. You can find more information on the website of the Royal Thai Embassy. You can find further guidance on the NaTHNaC website on best practice when travelling with medicines.
• The Gambia * GOV.UK * In The Gambia you will need to go to a pharmacy to obtain most over-the-counter medicines. Only a very limited selection are available at supermarkets or other stores. Not all medicines available in the UK will be available in The Gambia. Travellers that require specialist medication should check availability before travel or make arrangements to bring their medicines with them. The widely used symbols are a green cross or a green ‘Bowl of Hygieia’ (a chalice or cup with a snake twined around it). UK prescriptions are accepted.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.