Canada, India, Romania, Thailand, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Vietnam Face Warning as New York State Health Department in US Issues Urgent Alert for Travelers: What You Need to Know - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Thursday, April 10, 2025

The New York State Health Department in US has issued an urgent warning for travelers to Canada, India, Romania, Thailand, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Vietnam due to rising health risks in these regions. The warning is a direct response to increasing outbreaks of infectious diseases, particularly measles and dengue fever, which are becoming more prevalent in these countries. In many of these regions, lower vaccination rates and inadequate healthcare infrastructure have contributed to the spread of these diseases. Health experts are urging travelers to ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and to exercise caution when visiting these areas to avoid contracting and spreading these preventable illnesses.

In recent years, international travel has become an essential part of global connectivity, but it also comes with an increased risk of contracting diseases that may not be prevalent in the United States. The New York State Health Department is taking proactive steps to ensure that New Yorkers are informed about potential health risks and are well-prepared before embarking on international trips.

Why the Warning Was Issued

The health warning has been prompted by recent increases in outbreaks of diseases in several of the listed countries. Diseases like measles, dengue fever, and other infectious diseases that are preventable through vaccination are a particular concern for travelers. In countries such as India and Pakistan, there have been noticeable rises in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, which has seen an uptick globally. Meanwhile, regions such as Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Indonesia, have experienced increases in mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and malaria, which can be transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.

Health experts, including those from the New York State Health Department, have stressed the importance of ensuring that individuals are vaccinated before traveling. Unvaccinated individuals, particularly children, are especially at risk of contracting diseases during outbreaks. A single dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides 93 percent protection, and two doses offer 97 percent protection. However, lower vaccination rates in certain countries have made it easier for diseases to spread.

The advisory also stresses that travelers to countries with higher risks of infection should be aware of the symptoms of infectious diseases and should seek medical attention if they experience any signs of illness, particularly during the first few weeks after returning from their travels. Early detection and treatment are crucial to managing infections and reducing the risk of complications, such as hospitalization or even death.

Vaccination and Health Precautions

The New York State Health Department is urging travelers to check their vaccination records and ensure they are up-to-date with all recommended immunizations. In some cases, individuals may need to receive additional doses of vaccines before departure. The MMR vaccine, for instance, is one of the most important vaccines to have when traveling internationally. The department has provided travelers with specific vaccination guidelines based on their age and travel destination.

Babies as young as six months old can receive a dose of the MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad to high-risk areas. This step is essential for infants who might not yet be old enough for the standard vaccination schedule. Additionally, travelers should consult with their healthcare providers to determine if they need other vaccines, such as those for yellow fever, typhoid fever, or hepatitis A, depending on their travel destinations.

In addition to vaccines, travelers are encouraged to take other precautions to minimize their risk of infection. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating or after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. In regions with high mosquito activity, using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing can help reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria.

Symptoms to Watch For

Travelers to the affected countries should also be aware of the symptoms of common infectious diseases. In the case of measles, symptoms may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. The rash typically appears three to five days after the onset of symptoms, and a person with measles can spread the disease to others from four days before the rash appears until four days after.

In the case of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever, symptoms may include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rash, and nausea. If any of these symptoms develop after traveling to high-risk areas, individuals are advised to seek medical care immediately and avoid contact with others to prevent further spread of the illness.

Global Health Concerns and Ongoing Efforts

The global health landscape continues to evolve, and new outbreaks of infectious diseases are becoming more common. While some countries have made significant strides in controlling the spread of diseases through vaccination and public health campaigns, others continue to struggle with vaccine coverage and healthcare infrastructure. As a result, travelers from regions like the United States may be exposed to diseases that are rare or virtually eradicated in their home country.

For example, countries like Afghanistan and Ethiopia have faced significant challenges in controlling outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, partly due to conflict, limited healthcare access, and gaps in immunization coverage. Meanwhile, countries like Romania and Kyrgyzstan have struggled with vaccine hesitancy, which has contributed to rising cases of measles in recent years.

In response to these challenges, the New York State Health Department has been working to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and other health precautions for travelers. Health officials recommend that travelers stay informed about the specific health risks associated with their destinations and take the necessary steps to protect themselves before embarking on their journey.

The New York State Health Department has issued an urgent warning for travelers to Canada, India, Romania, Thailand, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Vietnam due to rising health risks from outbreaks of diseases like measles and dengue in these regions.

The health warning issued by the New York State Health Department serves as a reminder to travelers to be vigilant about their health and take preventive measures when visiting high-risk countries. By ensuring they are up-to-date with vaccinations and taking necessary health precautions, travelers can help protect themselves from infectious diseases while enjoying their international travels.

The department’s advisory is an essential step in promoting public health and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks both in the United States and abroad. Travelers are urged to consult with healthcare providers well in advance of their trips to ensure they have all the necessary vaccines and information to stay healthy while traveling.

In today’s interconnected world, being informed and prepared is the best defense against the spread of infectious diseases.